THE SAN BRUNO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION logo
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Funding Amount

Up to $25,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Community Grants Fund

Program Status: DISCONTINUED - The San Bruno Community Foundation has discontinued the Community Grants Fund and will not be offering the program in 2025-2026.

Previous Program Description:

  • Responsive grantmaking program created in 2016

  • Allowed local community groups to apply for grants of up to $25,000

  • Supported new or existing programs benefiting San Bruno community

    • Funding Source:

  • Funded by restitution funds from City of San Bruno's settlement with Pacific Gas & Electric Company following the 2010 gas pipeline explosion that devastated San Bruno's Crestmoor neighborhood

    • Most Recent Cycle (2024-2025):

  • Award Amount: Multiple grants totaling $300,000

  • Funding Period: 2025 calendar year

  • Supporter: $100,000 grant from YouTube and Google.org

  • Timeline: Application opened July 2024; deadline September 18, 2024; awards announced December 2024

    • Geographic Scope: San Bruno, CA

  • Inclusive definition of "community" includes those who live, work, attend school, and utilize community and commercial resources in San Bruno

    • Eligible Applicants:

  • 501(c)(3) public charities

  • 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), and 501(c)(6) organizations meeting public support tests per IRC 509(a)(2)

  • Governmental units described in IRC 170(b)(1)(A)

    • Ineligible Organizations:

  • 509(a)(3) supporting organizations

  • 509(a)(4) organizations (testing for public safety)

  • Political organizations

  • Religious institutions and private schools

  • Organizations that unlawfully discriminate

  • Individuals

    • Funding Priorities - Focus Areas:

  • Publicly owned community facilities

  • Community health and safety

  • Sports and recreation

  • Education

  • Youth activities

  • Public spaces, parks, and open space

  • Community building

  • Human and social services for all

  • Economic vitality

  • Intra-San Bruno transit

  • Healthy, stable, and affordable housing

    • Activities Eligible for Funding:

  • Programmatic Support: One-time projects, ongoing programs, or capital projects

  • Capacity-Building Support: To assist organizations in carrying out their mission more effectively

    • Activities NOT Funded:

  • Existing deficits

  • Direct contributions to restricted endowments

  • Lobbying or political activity

  • Religious activity that government agencies are legally prohibited from funding

    • Grant Terms:

  • Grant Size: Up to $25,000 per grant per cycle; Foundation retains discretion

  • Single organization may apply for multiple programs (separate application required for each)

  • Single organization unlikely to receive funding for more than one program in given grant cycle

  • Grants to be used within one-year period

  • Organizations may apply for same program for up to three consecutive years

  • After three years of consecutive funding, organization must wait at least one year before reapplying for that program

  • After three-year cycle, organization may apply for different program in fourth year

    • Grant Conditions:

  • Within 60 days of grant conclusion, provide year-end report documenting fund use and programmatic accomplishments

  • Acknowledge The San Bruno Community Foundation on all printed materials and publicity

  • Immediately notify Foundation of: (1) changes in tax-exempt status; (2) inability to expend grant for specified purposes; (3) expenditures for unintended purposes

  • Provide requested documentation including financials or tax-exempt status evidence

  • Within 60 days, report major changes in personnel/volunteers affecting program delivery

    • Contact Information:

  • Email: grants@sbcf.org

  • Phone: (650) 763-0775

  • Address: 901 Sneath Lane, Ste. 209, San Bruno, CA 94066

    • How to Apply

    Application Process (2024-2025 Cycle - Now Closed)

    Note: This program has been discontinued and will not be offered in 2025-2026.

    Previous Application Timeline:

  • July 2024: Application period opens

  • August 15 and September 3, 2024: Grant Workshops

  • September 18, 2024, 5:00 p.m.: Application deadline

  • December 2024: Award notifications

  • 2025: Funding period

    • Application Steps:

    1. Attend Optional Workshop
    - Grant workshops provided instruction on completing applications
    - Slides and materials available for download

    2. Complete Online Application Form
    - Must be submitted through online form; paper submissions not accepted
    - Separate application required for each program

    Required Application Materials:

  • One-Page Information Sheet (available in English and Spanish)

  • Application Guide (step-by-step instructions)

  • Sample Application (printable checklist and questions)

  • Completed online application form

  • Program budget substantiating requested grant amount

    • Application Content:

  • Organization information

  • Program description

  • Community benefit explanation

  • Alignment with Foundation focus areas

  • Program methodology

  • Detailed budget

  • Organization track record, stability, and financial health documentation

    • Evaluation Criteria:

  • Benefits of proposed program to San Bruno community

  • Proposal's alignment with Foundation focus areas

  • Program methodology and budget

  • Requested grant amount in relation to anticipated community benefit

  • Organization's track record, stability, and financial health

    • Resources Available:

  • Application Guide

  • Sample Application

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Grant Workshop presentation slides

  • One-Page Information Sheet (English and Spanish)

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