Community Services Funding via Samueli Foundation (Breakaway Fund)

Community Services Funding via Samueli Foundation (Breakaway Fund) is sponsored by Samueli Foundation. Focused on community services, Samueli Foundation invites California K-12 schools and nonprofits to apply for the Breakaway Fund. This opportunity offers unrestricted support for projects in talent development, technology upgrades, and organizational expertise.

2026 Breakaway Fund Announcement - Samueli Foundation The Samueli Foundation Today Our Philanthropic Approach OC Nonprofit Needs Assessment Frequently Asked Questions The Samueli Foundation Today Our Philanthropic Approach OC Nonprofit Needs Assessment Frequently Asked Questions Every day, nonprofits solve some of Orange County’s biggest challenges.

But behind every successful program is something less visible: strong leadership, reliable technology, sound financial systems, safe facilities, and the capacity to grow. The Breakaway Fund provides unrestricted grants between $50,000 and $100,000 so nonprofits can strengthen the foundation behind their mission. We believe nonprofits know what they need most.

That’s why we keep the application simple, the process fast, and the funding flexible. Since launching the Breakaway Fund, we’ve invested in the organizations that make Orange County stronger.

More than $16 million invested More than 1,600 applications reviewed More than 75% first-time Samueli Foundation partners Whether a nonprofit needed better technology, stronger financial systems, leadership development, or operational infrastructure, the Breakaway Fund helped organizations invest in what makes lasting impact possible.

What Nonprofits Needed Most Investing in the technology, equipment, transportation, and facilities that allow nonprofits to operate more efficiently and serve more people. Expanded countywide STEAM programming by purchasing equipment needed to bring robotics and engineering education to more Orange County libraries.

A mobile wardrobe unit will bring career clothing, interview preparation, and workforce resources directly into communities throughout Orange County. Alzheimer’s Family Services Center Replacing multiple disconnected databases with a single electronic medical record system to improve care coordination and operational efficiency.

Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton A 24-passenger van removes transportation barriers so more youth can access after-school programs. Helping organizations access specialized knowledge that builds stronger nonprofits for the long term. Expert guidance to create a scalable affordable housing model capable of expanding housing opportunities across Orange County.

Developing Medi-Cal billing expertise so the organization can build sustainable revenue and strengthen behavioral health services. Designing an integrated data strategy so staff can spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time serving children and families. Investing in the people behind the mission.

Building the next generation of nonprofit leaders through internal leadership development and management training. Supporting educator retention through leadership coaching and communication training that strengthens relationships with children and families. Creating a comprehensive staff learning system that supports employee development, retention, and long-term organizational stability.

Investing in employee wellness and resilience to support staff serving Orange County’s most vulnerable residents during a period of extraordinary demand. After reviewing more than 1,600 applications , several themes have consistently emerged. Organizations continue to prioritize investments that strengthen their operations before expanding programs.

Technology, leadership development, financial systems, transportation, and organizational planning remain among the greatest needs across nonprofits of every size. These insights continue to shape the Breakaway Fund and deepen our understanding of what it takes for nonprofits to thrive.

Research → Investment → Impact The Breakaway Fund was informed by the Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment , which highlighted the importance of investing in nonprofit capacity. Since then, more than 1,600 applications have provided an even richer understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing Orange County nonprofits.

Each funding cycle helps us learn, adapt, and continue investing where it can have the greatest long-term impact. Strong Organizations Strengthen Communities The projects funded weren’t flashy. A new technology platform.

Transportation for seniors. These are the investments that help nonprofits serve more people, respond more effectively, and build stronger organizations for years to come. Because when nonprofits are built to last, communities thrive.

The basics move mountains The needs weren’t flashy. They were human and achievable. “These wheels change everything.

” —Fund requester, Nonprofit Why it matters : Rides kept. Care reached. Isolation down.

What this makes possible: More on-timeappointments; riders served; miles to care “Kids can’t sit on this floor without allergic reactions. ” —Fund requester, Nonprofit Why it matters: Safe space to sit, read, learn. What this makes possible: Fewer allergy incidents, more time on task “She can’t hear the teacher.

” —Fund requester, Nonprofit Why it matters: Hearing is belonging. What this makes possible: Reading milestones, classroom engagement. “Seniors can’t carry groceries home safely.

” —Fund requester, Nonprofit Shopping carts and insulated bags Why it matters : Food gets home fresh. Independence preserved. Dignity maintained What this makes possible : Monthly groceries for hundreds, fewer falls, nutrition security.

"Our 30-year-old refrigerator is rusting and failing." —Fund requester, Nonprofit Commercial walk-in refrigerator Why it matters: Safe food storage for 143 children. Health standards met.

Meals assured. What this makes possible: Three hot meals daily, proper nutrition for healing, no food safety emergencies This year, the Sun Family Foundation is investing an additional $1.

5 million in organizations that applied through this year's Breakaway and Build OC Funds, including: Templo Calvario Community Development Corporation UCI Master of Arts in Teaching + Credential South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency Orange County, Let’s Build Together In two years, the Breakaway Fund has invested more than $16 million in 205 nonprofits . Hundreds of strong applications remain unfunded.

Through the Samueli Foundation Connector Tool, other funders can explore vetted applications and identify opportunities to invest alongside us—expanding the impact of every application submitted.

Celebrating with Our Inaugural Partners Intervention Center for Early Childhood Las Palmas Elementary School PTA Asian American Museum of Orange County Santa Ana Kiwanis Club Foundation Orange Elderly Services Inc. Irvine Adult Day Health Services Inc. The Joyful Child Foundation Cristo Rey Orange County High School Alzheimer's Orange County Learn more about the Breakaway Fund What is 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 you and your team barrel past the usual obstacles, giving you the best possible advantage for achieving your goals. No red tape. No onerous applications.

Just the support you need, when you need it most. Learn More about the Breakaway Fund