Frequently Asked Questions

The Orange County Community Foundation works with a variety of donors, including individuals, businesses and organizations transforming their heartfelt intention into greater impact for good. To connect with OCCF and be considered for grants or other opportunities at the foundation, please click here to fill out our nonprofit meet and greet interest form.

The majority of OCCF’s grantmaking is made at the recommendation of OCCF’s donors. Other grant applications are considered from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose work is aligned with our mission and priority impact areas. We post all open funding opportunities on our Available Grants web page. Please review each opportunity’s grant guidelines and eligibility requirements before starting any grant application. We do not award grants to individuals. We do not accept unsolicited proposals.

The type of funding varies depending on the program. Grant programs may offer the following types of support:

• Project Support: These grants are focused on specific efforts that provide direct benefit to the organization’s constituents over a period of time to achieve measurable results.
• Capacity Building Support: This type of support is generally awarded for activities that strengthen an organization, or a coalition of organizations, to better achieve its mission. Capacity-building may include expansion of services, infrastructure improvement, organizational assessment, strategic planning, board/staff development, and so on.
• Core Operating/General Support: An organization may use the funds in any way to support its mission.

Applications are not accepted for donor-advised funds. Donors work with OCCF to direct grants based on the donors’ areas of interest, often using the OC Nonprofit Central database to learn more about nonprofit organizations in Orange County.

To connect with OCCF and be considered for donor-advised fund grants, please click here to fill out our nonprofit interest form.

There is no limit on the number of times a nonprofit organization can apply for funding. Generally, we prefer that nonprofits use discretion and submit requests only for top-priority projects and programs.

Funding:

We offer grant opportunities aligned with our strategic plan priorities to help nonprofit organizations make a greater impact for the Orange County community. Check out open grants for funding opportunities.

Nonprofit Funds:

Hundreds of forward-thinking, local nonprofit leaders turn to us to provide opportunities for long-term sustainability to stabilize their organization and strengthen our region by establishing a nonprofit fund.

Resources:
OCCF offers the following resources to support the local nonprofit community:

• iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days
• OC Nonprofit Central
• OCCF Meet and Greets