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© 2026 Samueli Foundation. All rights reserved.
The Build OC Fund invests in capital projects that help Orange County nonprofits build, renovate, repair, and improve the facilities where essential services happen every day.
From housing and health centers to childcare facilities, community hubs, schools, and cultural institutions, Build OC helps organizations create spaces that expand opportunity today and strengthen communities for generations.
Since launching Build OC, the Samueli Foundation has partnered with nonprofits to create lasting community assets across Orange County.
More than $16 million invested
30 community capital projects funded
Projects spanning renovations, repairs, and last-mile investments
Community facilities serving residents across Orange County
Every project represents more than a building. It’s a long-term investment in the places where people find housing, healthcare, education, belonging, and hope.
Housing was the defining theme of the 2026 portfolio.
Projects span the full housing continuum—from emergency shelter and transitional housing to permanent supportive housing—helping residents move from crisis to long-term stability.
Featured projects
Friendship Shelter
Converting a former motel into 11 permanent supportive housing apartments for seniors, transition-age youth, and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.
The Eli Home
Completing an 11-unit permanent supportive housing community for mothers recovering from substance use disorders and their children.
Pathways of Hope
Renovating Via Esperanza Family Shelter with ADA improvements and rehabilitation that extends the life of one of Orange County’s highest-performing emergency shelters.
Radiant Futures
Building three permanent homes for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
Some projects simply need the final piece to become reality.
Many Build OC grants provide the “last mile” funding that allows organizations to complete years of planning, unlock previously secured investments, and begin serving the community sooner. Several projects in this year’s portfolio had already secured 75–96% of project funding, positioning them for near-term completion.
Examples include
The Hub OC Preschool
OC United Together
Friendship Shelter
Radiant Futures
El Sol Science & Arts Academy
Buildings should welcome everyone.
Many organizations intentionally chose projects that improve accessibility, safety, dignity, and inclusion—even when those solutions required greater investment.
Featured examples include:
ADA improvements at Tara’s Chance
Accessible health center renovations at Friends of Family Health Center
Sensory-friendly learning environments at Reimagine Network
Security enhancements at the Merage Jewish Community Center
Trauma-informed restroom renovations at Higher Ground Youth & Family Services
Roof replacement protecting uninterrupted services at Meals on Wheels Orange County
Many projects create spaces where children and young adults can learn, grow, and thrive.
This year’s investments expand:
Early childhood education
Youth development
Environmental education
Marine science education
Transitional housing for youth
Equine-assisted therapy
Community learning spaces
Featured organizations include:
The Hub OC
El Sol Science & Arts Academy
Ocean Institute
The Ecology Center
Unidos South OC
Higher Ground Youth & Family Services
Every Build OC project serves a clearly defined community.
This year’s portfolio includes investments supporting:
Families experiencing homelessness
Transition-age youth
Survivors of domestic violence
Seniors
Children with disabilities
LGBTQ+ residents
Immigrant communities
Pregnant and postpartum mothers
Low-income families
A capital investment creates ripple effects.
A renovated shelter helps more families find permanent housing.
A preschool opens doors for working parents.
A community health center serves thousands more patients.
A secure campus creates peace of mind.
An accessible facility welcomes every member of the community.
These projects don’t simply improve buildings.
They expand opportunity.
Alianza Translatinx
Community Legal Aid SoCal
El Sol Science & Arts Academy of Santa Ana
Friends of Family Health Center
Friendship Shelter
Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County
Help for Brain Injured Children Inc.
Higher Ground Youth and Family Services Inc.
Jewish Community Center of Orange County
Meals on Wheels OC
Miracles for Kids
MOMS Orange County
OC United Together
Ocean Institute
Pathways of Hope
Radiant Futures
Reimagine Network
Tara's Chance
The Ecology Center
The Eli Home Inc.
The Hub OC
Unidos South Oc Inc.
After two years of Build OC, several lessons continue to emerge.
Organizations are seeking more than repairs—they are investing in facilities that improve accessibility, increase operational capacity, and create long-term community assets.
Many of the strongest projects are also among the most collaborative, bringing together public funding, philanthropy, community partnerships, and organizational leadership to transform ambitious ideas into reality.
The Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment revealed that nonprofits often struggle to secure funding for the physical infrastructure their missions depend on.
Build OC was created to address that gap.
Today, every funded project strengthens Orange County’s nonprofit infrastructure while creating lasting places where communities can gather, heal, learn, and thrive.
Each year, more worthy capital projects seek funding than philanthropy alone can support.
By investing alongside Build OC, funders can help complete projects that create affordable housing, preserve essential community spaces, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen Orange County’s nonprofit infrastructure.
Together, we can build the places where community happens.
The Build OC Fund delivers streamlined, trust-based capital grants for hard-to-fund but mission-critical needs. No request is too basic when it means a roof that protects, plumbing that works, or equipment that saves lives.
We’re investing in the essentials that communities desperately need: spaces that restore dignity, facilities that last for generations, and infrastructure that makes every other service possible. No years-long campaigns. No naming rights negotiations. Just responsive support for the physical assets that help nonprofits thrive. Capital investments multiply impact. Updates on future Build OC Fund cycles will be shared at https://www.samueli.org/for-grantseekers/.
