Build OC Fund

According to our Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment, many Orange County nonprofit organizations are struggling with inadequate or unaffordable physical space. High rental costs, lack of long-term leases, and limited access to funding for facility improvements prevent organizations from expanding services, retaining staff, and providing welcoming, functional environments for their communities. The Build OC Fund will support:

• Facilities and/or land acquisition (i.e., to make a new purchase)

• New construction (i.e., to build a new building or an addition to an existing building)

• Renovation (i.e., to significantly revamp an existing facility or outdoor space)

• Repair (i.e., for maintenance or repair of a facility or outdoor space)

• Preservation (i.e., to maintain or repair existing historic structures)

• Equipment (i.e., to purchase major equipment as part of a larger capital project)

Organizations may apply for one-time capital grants of up to $1,000,000 for projects located in Orange County, California for which they have site control or are in the process of securing site control (e.g., ownership of the property, option to purchase, long-term lease of at least 7 years). The project should be completed or reach a meaningful milestone within one year of receiving funding. Organizations may submit applications for up to one capital project for the Build OC Fund. Grant awards will be made as a single payment before December 31, 2025.

The Samueli Foundation will be looking at the following criteria:

• Nonprofit Organization: The organization helps to advance well-being and opportunity for all individuals and families living in Orange County

• Project: The proposed activities are realistic and feasible and will enable the organization to better deliver its mission

• Funding: The request represents the “right resources” for the project (i.e., would allow the organization to cover 100% of the project’s costs)

It is unlikely we will prioritize capital projects that are in early stages of development. We know that most costs for capital projects will exceed our grant awards, so we will prioritize capital projects that are nearing a final phase or need our grant award to complete their projects. As a new initiative, the Samueli Foundation anticipates adjusting criteria as we learn more about capital project needs of our community partners.