Program Grants (U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation)

Program Grants (U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation) is sponsored by U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation. Awards grants to empower disadvantaged communities, enhance quality of life, and foster stronger, more connected communities.

U.S. Venture/​Schmidt Family Foundation - U.S. Venture U.S. Venture/​Schmidt Family Foundation About the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF) is dedicated to driving meaningful change by supporting self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and vulnerable populations. Backed by funding from an endowment and a percentage of net profits each year, the Foundation awarded over $4.

6 million in 2025 to initiatives that align with its mission. Driven by Compassion, Focused on Impact Our foundation is committed to making a lasting impact in every city where we do business. The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation focuses on strategic investments and partnerships including: Team member and shareholder engagement Well-being of vulnerable populations More than $6 million annually investing in nonprofits.

Program Grants and Sponsorships Community Engagement Committee The CEC is a dedicated sub-committee of the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF). Made up of passionate team members and shareholders, the CEC awards up to $35,000 to amplify the positive impact of U.S. Venture’s support in the community. Starting in 2026, there is a new process to apply for sponsorships.

Please click below to learn more. The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF) awards grants to empower disadvantaged communities, enhance quality of life, and foster stronger, more connected communities. How to Apply for Sponsorships We’ve recently updated our sponsorship process to be team member-driven, meaning the request for funding must come directly from the participating team member.

If a team member is involved, they would need to submit an internal formal request to be considered. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support with the process. How To Apply – Team Members can submit the Sponsorship Request Form on SharePoint under Community Engagement.

How to Apply for Grants Up to $35,000 We are excited to launch our new and improved grant platform, Temelio. The new design is easier to navigate and more user-friendly. Please note the following: If you encounter any difficulties, the Live Temelio chat box (available during business hours) will be accessible while you are filling out the application.

Once you are in the main application, there is an option to download the questions for offline review. Please complete application within Temelio, not in the offline review form. For further assistance, please contact us at [email protected] .

Organizations can apply for grants valued at up to $35,000. Please note that each charitable organization is eligible to receive one grant per calendar year. To qualify for funding from the CEC: Organizations must be recognized as public charities under IRS guidelines, with preference given to those holding 501(c)(3) status.

Applications should align with our giving guidelines and demonstrate documented support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder. U.S. Venture prefers to collaborate with additional funders, so we do not typically serve as the sole financial supporter. A full list of pending and committed sponsors must be provided with your application.

The CEC is proud to support organizations that create meaningful, lasting change in our communities. If your mission aligns with these values, we encourage you to apply! Application Start Dates & Deadlines 2026 Grant Application Open Dates / Close Dates June 29, 2026 – August 16, 2026 Oct.

12, 2026 – November 15, 2026 If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] How to Apply for Grants Above $35,000 We are excited to launch our new and improved grant platform, Temelio. The new design is easier to navigate and more user-friendly.

Please note the following: If you encounter any difficulties, the Live Temelio chat box (available during business hours) will be accessible while you are filling out the application. Once you are in the main application, there is an option to download the questions for offline review. Please complete application within Temelio, not in the offline review form.

For further assistance, please contact us at [email protected] . We accept a wide range of funding requests, including: General operating support Please note that each charitable organization is typically eligible for only one program grant per calendar year.

To qualify for funding from USV/SFF, organizations must meet the following criteria: Designated as public charities by the IRS, with preference given to those holding 501(c)(3) status. Demonstrate direct involvement or support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder (e.g., board membership, volunteering, or donor engagement). Grants are awarded to initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission and target areas of impact.

With these grants, we aim to uplift organizations dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve in the following impact areas: Team member and shareholder engagement Well-being of vulnerable populations Program Grant Funding Guidelines Our program grants prioritize organizations and projects that demonstrate meaningful, long-term impact.

Specifically, we focus on funding: Initiatives that provide measurable, lasting benefits to a substantial number of people. Organizations with a clear mission and a proven commitment to delivering effective outcomes. Entities with strong organizational health, including financial stability and a highly skilled team of staff and board members.

Requests supported by diverse funding sources; we aim to partner with other funders and typically avoid being the sole contributor to a project or program. Typically Outside our Funding While we are dedicated to supporting impactful initiatives, the following requests are typically outside the scope of our program grants: Grants to individuals or families, conference expenses, or medical procedures and research.

Events that have already occurred or expenses incurred prior to funding approval. Political organizations or causes. Funding requests from schools or government agencies.

Annual meetings or recurring operational expenses. Religious organizations seeking to build membership or requiring religious affiliation for service delivery. Capital campaigns for schools, religious institutions, sports facilities, or endowments.

Organizations operating outside the geographic areas where U.S. Venture facilities or team members are located. Application Start Dates & Deadlines 2026 Grant Application Open Dates / Close Dates June 29, 2026 – August 16, 2026 Oct. 12, 2026 – November 15, 2026 Program Grant Application Have questions or want to discuss your request before applying?

Reach out to us at [email protected] , and our team will assist you. Please allow 8-10 weeks after the application deadline for a grant decision. If there’s a significant change in how the funding will be used after receiving grant support, you must get prior approval from the Foundation.

Submit your request in writing to [email protected] . A 12-month final grant repor t is required before submitting any future funding requests. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected] Established in 1985 by Art, Ray, and Bill Schmidt, the Foundation honors the legacy of their parents, Albert and Margaret Schmidt, whose core values of generosity and compassion guide its work today.

What started as a tribute to the Schmidt family’s commitment to community has grown into a hybrid corporate/family foundation. The board of directors includes U.S. Venture team members alongside descendants of Albert and Margaret, ensuring their values remain central to the Foundation’s work.

These values—volunteerism, extending a hand to those in need, fostering a sense of community, and supporting strong families—continue to inspire every initiative we support.