Deadline: 17-May-2026
The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation offers program grants above $35,000 to support nonprofits that empower disadvantaged communities, improve quality of life, and strengthen social cohesion. Funding priorities include community enrichment, self-sufficiency, and the well-being of vulnerable populations, with an emphasis on measurable, long-term impact and collaborative initiatives.
Overview
The Foundation’s program grants support initiatives that:
- Empower disadvantaged communities and improve quality of life.
- Foster self-sufficiency and economic independence.
- Promote community enrichment and connected societies.
- Enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations.
- Encourage active engagement from U.S. Venture team members and shareholders.
Grants are intended for programs with measurable, long-term impact and wide-reaching benefits. Funding can cover program-specific costs, capital support, or general operating expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
- Be recognized as a public charity under IRS guidelines, with preference for 501(c)(3) organizations.
- Demonstrate active involvement or support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder (board participation, volunteering, or donor engagement).
- Show a clearly defined mission, proven program effectiveness, strong financial health, and capable leadership.
- Preferably collaborate with other funding sources; the Foundation rarely acts as the sole funder.
Ineligible applicants and activities:
- Individuals or families.
- Schools, government agencies, or organizations outside U.S. Venture’s operational areas.
- Political activities or advocacy.
- Medical procedures, research, or previously incurred costs.
- Recurring operational expenses, annual meetings, or religious activities requiring membership.
- Capital campaigns for schools, religious institutions, sports facilities, or endowments.
Grant Details
- Minimum grant amount: $35,000
- Purpose: Support nonprofit programs delivering measurable, long-term impact.
- Focus: Projects aligned with the Foundation’s priority areas and demonstrating community benefit.
- Platform: Applications submitted via the updated Temelio platform, with live chat support and offline question review.
How to Apply / How It Works
- Access Temelio: Use the Foundation’s online platform to prepare your application.
- Prepare your application: Include program description, budget, measurable outcomes, and proof of team member/shareholder support.
- Submit online: Review questions offline if desired and submit via Temelio.
- Assessment: Applications evaluated based on alignment with priorities, impact, sustainability, and financial and organizational capacity.
- Funding allocation: Grants awarded to initiatives demonstrating strong potential for meaningful, long-term community impact.
Best Practices & Tips
- Demonstrate measurable and sustainable impact for a significant population.
- Highlight collaborations and additional funding sources to strengthen application.
- Ensure active engagement from U.S. Venture team members or shareholders.
- Provide evidence of financial stability and capable organizational leadership.
- Avoid requesting funding for excluded activities such as political, religious, or previously incurred costs.
Why It Matters
These program grants enable nonprofits to expand their reach, implement impactful initiatives, and strengthen communities where U.S. Venture operates. By prioritizing measurable outcomes and collaborative approaches, the Foundation maximizes long-term positive effects for vulnerable populations and local communities.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for program grants?
IRS-recognized public charities, preferably 501(c)(3) organizations, with projects aligned to Foundation priorities.
2. What is the minimum grant amount?
$35,000 per program grant.
3. Are collaborative projects preferred?
Yes, the Foundation favors initiatives with multiple funding sources rather than sole funding.
4. Must there be U.S. Venture team member involvement?
Yes, documented engagement from a team member or shareholder is required.
5. What types of projects are excluded?
Political activities, medical procedures/research, capital campaigns for schools/religious institutions/sports facilities, recurring operational expenses, and programs outside U.S. Venture’s operational areas.
6. How are applications submitted?
Through the updated Temelio grant platform, with optional offline question review and live chat support.
7. What is the main goal of program grants?
To fund initiatives that empower disadvantaged communities, improve quality of life, and deliver measurable, long-term impact.
Conclusion
U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation program grants provide strategic, high-value funding to nonprofits driving meaningful, long-term impact. By supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance well-being, the Foundation helps organizations achieve sustainable social change while encouraging collaboration and measurable outcomes.
For more information, visit U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation.