Background

Breakaway Fund and Build OC Fund

At the end of 2024, the Samueli Foundation commissioned a first-of-its-kind research initiative aimed at understanding the most pressing needs of nonprofits in Orange County. A key insight uncovered in the report was the extent to which nonprofits in Orange County struggle to access capital for unmet, hard-to-fund needs that are critical to the health of all nonprofits. In response to this insight, The Samueli Foundation is launching an open grant application process for two newly established funds in Spring 2025:

  • The Breakaway Fund : 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 nonprofits get past the usual obstacles (e.g., onerous applications, restrictive funding streams), for essential operations including costs related to people, expertise, and core infrastructure. Applicants can request funds between $50k - $100k

  • Build OC Fund: According to our Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment, many Orange County nonprofits 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. This fund provides capital to purchase, develop or improve physical assets with the goal of shifting nonprofit mindsets from a ‘cycle of survival’ to ‘dreaming big.’ Applicants can request funds up to $1M.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, not classified as a private foundation or have a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status and provides written authorization confirming its willingness to act as the fiscal sponsor, or fall into one of the following categories:

  • Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): U.S. federal agencies territories and commonwealths, state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities, counties, municipal agencies).

  • School: All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities. Institutions must have a NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) number or 501c3 tax status.

  • Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets.

The following organizations are not eligible for funding:

  • We do not provide funding to any organization that discriminates based on race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status. This also includes organizations that espouse hate and discrimination towards any group

  • International organizations

  • Individuals, including those seeking scholarships or fellowship assistance

  • Political, labor, or fraternal organizations involved in partisan work

  • Breakaway Fund: No minimum requirement.

  • Build OC Fund: Yes. Your organization must have been operating for at least 5 years.

  • Breakaway Fund: Yes. Organizations do not need to be physically located in Orange County, but they must demonstrate that they are actively serving Orange County communities.

  • Build OC Fund: No. Organizations must be physically located in Orange County to be eligible for capital funding through this fund.

We anticipate learning a lot from this inaugural funding cycle and will use those insights to inform future opportunities. At this time, future cycles have not yet been confirmed.

Yes, prior grant recipients are welcome to apply. Your current or past funding status with the Samueli Foundation does not impact your eligibility for the Breakaway or Build OC Funds.

Funding and Project Scope

The Breakaway 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. Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 can be used for projects that strengthen your organization’s capacity in one of the following categories:

  • Talent and Leadership : Every professional hockey team invests in coaches, trainers, nutritionists and other people who help their players thrive. Why should nonprofit organizations go without the same types of support? We will consider requests that cover investments in human capital to improve employee recruitment, professional development, organizational culture, and retention other than personnel salaries. Examples include:

    • Professional development (e.g., executive coaching, training, conferences)

    • Organization culture-building efforts (e.g., team retreats, feedback tools)

    • Employee benefits or perks (e.g., wellness stipends, staff meals)

  • Systems and “Stuff”: Hockey players rely on having abundant equipment including skates, sticks, pads, helmets, and mouth guards. Their coaches use sophisticated technology to assess game play and plan team logistics. Nonprofits also need to purchase new equipment to support their missions. We will consider requests that cover capital expenses or physical assets that improve your organization’s ability to deliver its mission through investments in the tools and infrastructure you need to operate effectively. Examples include:

    • Technology upgrades (e.g., new laptops, CRM or financial software, WiFi upgrades)

    • Facility improvements (e.g., painting, lighting upgrades, security systems)

    • Furniture or equipment (e.g., filing systems, HVAC systems, AV gear)

  • Expertise: Behind every great team are experts that help with complex legal issues, human resources, financial planning, and other work that requires specific contracted expertise. We will consider requests that cover third party technical assistance to augment your current team with the right experts at the right time. Examples include:

    • Legal assistance (e.g., revising bylaws, contract review)

    • Accounting or finance support (e.g., audit prep, forecasting help)

    • HR consultants (e.g., crafting new policies, compensation benchmarking)

  • Season Ticket: Not everything you dream of fits into neat boxes. If you have a unique funding request that falls outside of the above categories, please describe your request in your application and we will consider it.

Through the Build OC Fund, grants of up to $1,000,000 can be used for capital projects that improve or expand your physical space. For example, the Build OC Fund will support:

  • Facilities or land acquisition, e.g.,

    • Purchasing a new office, program facility, or community center

    • Acquiring land for future development

  • New construction or expansion, e.g.,

    • Building a new structure

    • Adding space (e.g., second floor, expanded wing)

  • Renovation or repair, e.g.,

    • Updating restrooms, HVAC, electrical systems

    • Redesigning interiors to improve accessibility or program flow

    • Roof repair, ADA upgrades, window replacements

  • Preservation, e.g.,

    • Maintaining or restoring historic buildings used for programming

  • Major equipment (as part of a larger capital project), e.g.,

    • Commercial refrigerators or freezers for food storage

    • STEM lab equipment or media production tools

    • Art display systems, gallery walls, or movable exhibit structures

The following are examples of expenses that are generally not eligible:

  • Political or lobbying activities

  • Fundraising campaigns or events

  • Projects not serving Orange County communities

  • Capital projects without confirmed or pending site control

  • Early-stage capital projects (Build OC prefers shovel-ready or near-completion projects)

  • Breakaway Fund: $50,000 to $100,000 per grant.

  • Build OC Fund: Up to $1,000,000 per grant. Final amounts will depend on the scale, scope, and readiness of the project.

Application Process and Materials

All applications must be submitted through the Samueli Foundation Grantee Portal. Visit the Breakaway Fund or Build OC Fund for application links. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Create or log in to your portal account.

  2. Complete the eligibility quiz to confirm your organization qualifies.

  3. Choose the appropriate fund:

    • For the Breakaway Fund, you may submit up to two different project applications.

    • For the Build OC Fund, you may submit one capital project application.

  4. Complete the brief application form, upload any required materials (e.g., budget), and submit by the deadline.

  5. You may save and return to your application at any time before submission.

Breakaway Fund

  • Organization Information (mailing address, EIN/Tax ID, contact information, etc.)

  • Project summary

  • Budget total  and amount requested

Build OC Fund:

All the above, plus:

  • Project and site control status

  • Milestone timeline

  • Upload of project budget with soft/hard costs and funding sources

  • Breakaway Fund: Applications are due by Friday, June 13, 2025 at 5pm PT

  • Build OC Fund: Applications are due by Friday, June 27, 2025 at 5pm PT

  • Breakaway Fund: Up to two applications (for different projects)

  • Build OC Fund: Only one application per organization

Eligible projects will be selected for funding based on the following criteria:

  • 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: “Right resources” for the project (would allow the organization to cover 100% of the requested expense)

Build OC additionally considers:

  • Stage of project development

  • Readiness to execute (e.g., permits, funding, site control)

  • One-year milestone potential

If you need help, please use the chat icon in the portal or email:

Grant Awards

Decisions will be made by the Samueli Foundation leadership team and Board of Directors.

The Samueli Foundation uses the grants management system, GivingData, for grants requests, post award management, and fiscal verification for electronic payments, etc. If awarded, grant payments will be made in a one-time cash payment via electronic processing before December 31, 2025.

This is a pilot year and we are interested in partnering with you in the spirit of learning. While detailed reporting is not anticipated, the Samueli Foundation will request a short reflection on lessons learned and impact achieved. Grantees may also be asked to participate in brief learning conversations.