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Every day, nonprofits solve some of Orange County’s biggest challenges. But behind every successful program is something less visible: strong leadership, reliable technology, sound financial systems, safe facilities, and the capacity to grow.
The Breakaway Fund provides unrestricted grants between $50,000 and $100,000 so nonprofits can strengthen the foundation behind their mission.
We believe nonprofits know what they need most. That’s why we keep the application simple, the process fast, and the funding flexible.
Since launching the Breakaway Fund, we’ve invested in the organizations that make Orange County stronger.
205 organizations funded
More than $16 million invested
More than 1,600 applications reviewed
More than 75% first-time Samueli Foundation partners
Whether a nonprofit needed better technology, stronger financial systems, leadership development, or operational infrastructure, the Breakaway Fund helped organizations invest in what makes lasting impact possible.
Investing in the technology, equipment, transportation, and facilities that allow nonprofits to operate more efficiently and serve more people.
Featured investments
Dreams for Schools
Expanded countywide STEAM programming by purchasing equipment needed to bring robotics and engineering education to more Orange County libraries.
Working Wardrobes
A mobile wardrobe unit will bring career clothing, interview preparation, and workforce resources directly into communities throughout Orange County.
Alzheimer’s Family Services Center
Replacing multiple disconnected databases with a single electronic medical record system to improve care coordination and operational efficiency.
Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton
A 24-passenger van removes transportation barriers so more youth can access after-school programs.
Helping organizations access specialized knowledge that builds stronger nonprofits for the long term.
Featured investments
Camino Housing Solutions
Expert guidance to create a scalable affordable housing model capable of expanding housing opportunities across Orange County.
MECCA
Developing Medi-Cal billing expertise so the organization can build sustainable revenue and strengthen behavioral health services.
Project Youth OC
Creating the organization’s next strategic plan to guide growth and expand impact over the coming years.
Beyond Blindness
Designing an integrated data strategy so staff can spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time serving children and families.
Investing in the people behind the mission.
Featured investments
Western Youth Services
Building the next generation of nonprofit leaders through internal leadership development and management training.
Orange County Head Start
Supporting educator retention through leadership coaching and communication training that strengthens relationships with children and families.
City Net
Creating a comprehensive staff learning system that supports employee development, retention, and long-term organizational stability.
Public Law Center
Investing in employee wellness and resilience to support staff serving Orange County’s most vulnerable residents during a period of extraordinary demand.
After reviewing more than 1,600 applications, several themes have consistently emerged.
Organizations continue to prioritize investments that strengthen their operations before expanding programs. Technology, leadership development, financial systems, transportation, and organizational planning remain among the greatest needs across nonprofits of every size.
These insights continue to shape the Breakaway Fund and deepen our understanding of what it takes for nonprofits to thrive.
The Breakaway Fund was informed by the Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment, which highlighted the importance of investing in nonprofit capacity.
Since then, more than 1,600 applications have provided an even richer understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing Orange County nonprofits.
Each funding cycle helps us learn, adapt, and continue investing where it can have the greatest long-term impact.
The projects funded weren’t flashy.
They were practical.
A new technology platform.
A leadership coach.
A strategic plan.
Transportation for seniors.
Equipment for students.
Professional expertise.
These are the investments that help nonprofits serve more people, respond more effectively, and build stronger organizations for years to come.
Because when nonprofits are built to last, communities thrive.
“These wheels change everything.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Rides kept. Care reached. Isolation down.
What this makes possible: More on-timeappointments; riders served; miles to care
“Kids can’t sit on this floor without allergic reactions.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Safe space to sit, read, learn.
What this makes possible: Fewer allergy incidents, more time on task
“She can’t hear the teacher.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Hearing is belonging.
Confidence rises.
What this makes possible: Reading milestones, classroom engagement.
“Seniors can’t carry groceries home safely.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Food gets home fresh. Independence preserved. Dignity maintained
What this makes possible: Monthly groceries for hundreds, fewer falls, nutrition security.
"Our 30-year-old refrigerator is rusting and failing."
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Safe food storage for 143 children. Health standards met. Meals assured.
What this makes possible: Three hot meals daily, proper nutrition for healing, no food safety emergencies
This year, the Sun Family Foundation is investing an additional $1.5 million in organizations that applied through this year's Breakaway and Build OC Funds, including:
Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation
The Mix Academy
UCI Master of Arts in Teaching + Credential
South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency
In two years, the Breakaway Fund has invested more than $16 million in 205 nonprofits.
Hundreds of strong applications remain unfunded.
Through the Samueli Foundation Connector Tool, other funders can explore vetted applications and identify opportunities to invest alongside us—expanding the impact of every application submitted.
A breakaway is one of the most electrifying moments in hockey. It’s a turning point, the moment when a player or individual charges ahead, unimpeded, nothing but opportunity between them and the goal. With the Breakaway Fund, we’re bringing that same momentum of possibility to our local community.
This fund provides unrestricted, easy-to-access capital that helps you and your team barrel past the usual obstacles, giving you the best possible advantage for achieving your goals. No red tape. No onerous applications. Just the support you need, when you need it most.
