Community Investment

We encourage applicants to carefully consider their budget needs in alignment with the scope of their proposed project. While funding levels may vary, most grants fall within a general range.

• Minimum funding request: $75,000
• Maximum funding request: $300,000 (please note, awards at this level are rare)
• Average grant size: Approximately $130,000

Each year, we typically fund around 15 community-based organizations. Proposals that demonstrate strong alignment with our priorities and a clear, achievable use of funds tend to be the most competitive.

Our application process begins with a brief Intent to Apply form, which helps us understand the fit between your work and our funding priorities.

• Deadline to Submit: May 15, 2025
• Form Format: Online via Smartsheet

Organizations whose work strongly aligns with our funding goals will be invited to submit a full proposal in June 2025. 

We encourage applicants to use the Intent to Apply form to clearly outline the impact and focus of their proposed work.

Once launched, you will be able to submit the form here: 

Submit form

Q: How much funding can I apply for?

A: You may request between $75,000 and $300,000. Most grants fall around $130,000, and awards at the highest level are rare. We encourage you to request what your project truly needs, with a strong budget justification.

Q: What’s the first step in applying?

A: Our process begins with a brief Intent to Apply form, which helps us understand the alignment between your proposed work and our funding priorities. Organizations that are a strong fit are then invited to submit a full proposal.

Q: Where can I find the Intent to Apply form?

A: The form is hosted online through Smartsheet. When the application cycle opens, the link will be posted on our website.

Q: When will I hear back after submitting the Intent to Apply form?

A: All applicants will be notified of their status after the Intent to Apply review process concludes, typically before full proposals are invited.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?

A: Applicants must be nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations serving communities in San Mateo, Santa Clara, or Santa Cruz Counties. We prioritize organizations working to improve health and well-being in these regions.

Q: Are past or current grantees eligible to apply?

A: Yes. All past and current grantees are welcome to apply for the new grant cycle. While we typically encourage grantees to take one funding cycle off between awards, that principle will not be applied during this upcoming cycle.

Q: What are your funding priorities?

A: We focus on three core areas:

• Access to Healthcare
  We support programs that improve access to primary healthcare services for vulnerable populations, particularly those facing systemic barriers to care.

• Mental Health
  We invest in efforts that strengthen mental health supports in the community, with an emphasis on early intervention, access, and culturally responsive care.

• Economic Stability
  We fund programs that address the social and economic conditions that influence health — such as access to food, housing, and employment supports.

  These priorities are grounded in our Community Health Needs Assessment, which guides our investments and strategy.

Q: Can the funds be used for staffing or overhead?

A: Yes. We recognize that strong programs rely on strong infrastructure. Requests that include staffing or administrative support are welcome when clearly connected to program delivery and impact.

Q: Do you offer multi-year funding?

A: Grants are awarded on a one-year basis, but are typically renewable for up to three years. Continued funding is contingent on progress, impact, and ongoing alignment with our funding priorities.

Q: Who reviews applications?

A: Our internal team reviews and scores all applications using a standardized rubric. Review criteria include alignment with focus areas, proposed impact, organizational capacity, and attention to health equity.