Deadline: 17-May-2026
The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation provides grants of up to $35,000 to nonprofit organizations that advance self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Funding decisions are guided by the Community Engagement Committee and prioritize collaborative initiatives with meaningful local impact.
Overview
The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that:
- Promote self-sufficiency and economic independence.
- Enhance community enrichment and engagement.
- Improve the well-being of vulnerable populations.
- Encourage team member and shareholder participation in charitable giving.
The foundation distributes over $6 million annually to nonprofit organizations, with more than $4.31 million awarded in the previous year alone. Grants are funded through an endowment and a percentage of U.S. Venture’s annual net profits.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be recognized as a public charity under IRS guidelines, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Align their project with the foundation’s focus areas.
- Provide documented support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder.
- Collaborate with other sponsors; the foundation rarely acts as the sole funder.
- Submit only one grant application per organization per calendar year.
Ineligible applicants:
- Organizations outside the IRS public charity guidelines.
- Applications that do not demonstrate alignment with focus areas or community impact.
Grant Details
- Maximum grant: $35,000 per organization.
- Frequency: One grant per calendar year.
- Purpose: Fund projects that strengthen community engagement, self-sufficiency, and support for vulnerable populations.
- Decision-making: Managed by the Community Engagement Committee (CEC), composed of team members and shareholders.
How to Apply / How It Works
- Register on Temelio: Access the foundation’s online grant platform.
- Prepare your application: Align your project with the foundation’s focus areas and include team member/shareholder support.
- Submit online: Use the Temelio platform, with optional offline review of questions and live chat support.
- Review and evaluation: CEC evaluates applications based on community impact, alignment with priorities, and collaborative funding.
- Funding allocation: Successful applicants receive grants of up to $35,000 to implement their initiatives.
Best Practices & Tips
- Ensure your project clearly addresses self-sufficiency, community enrichment, or support for vulnerable populations.
- Include evidence of collaboration with other sponsors or funding partners.
- Secure documented support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder before submitting.
- Use the Temelio platform efficiently by reviewing questions offline and preparing all documentation in advance.
- Demonstrate measurable impact and sustainability of your project outcomes.
Why It Matters
Funding from the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation amplifies local nonprofit impact by:
- Supporting initiatives that strengthen communities.
- Enhancing resources and opportunities for vulnerable populations.
- Encouraging collaboration and long-term community engagement.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for funding?
IRS-recognized public charities, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations, aligned with the foundation’s priorities.
2. What is the maximum grant amount?
$35,000 per organization per calendar year.
3. How often can an organization apply?
Once per calendar year.
4. Does the foundation require collaboration?
Yes, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate additional funding partners.
5. What is the application platform?
Applications are submitted via the Temelio grant platform.
6. Is support from U.S. Venture team members required?
Yes, documented support from a team member or shareholder is required.
7. What types of projects are prioritized?
Projects that promote self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and the wellbeing of vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation provides strategic funding to nonprofits that foster self-sufficiency, community growth, and support for vulnerable populations. By combining grantmaking with team member engagement and collaborative funding, the foundation ensures meaningful, sustainable impact in communities where it operates.
For more information, visit U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation.