Community Grants Program

Geographic Scope: Santa Clara County, California only. All grant funds must be used in Santa Clara County.

Eligibility:

• Must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organizations
• Organizations providing services or programs in Santa Clara County, California

Fields of Interest:
All areas will be considered, but emphasis is given to:

• Arts and culture
• Animal protection
• Environmental conservation
• Historic preservation

Funding Limitations:

• Grant range: $1,000 to $25,000
• Maximum of one year per grant
• No grants will be awarded to any agency in consecutive grant cycles
• Organizations with delinquent final grant reports will not be considered for further funding

What They Don't Fund:

• Political campaigns
• Religious activities
• Deficit financing
• Loans
• Grants to individuals
• Matching gifts

Application Deadlines:

• November (specific date varies by year)
• May 21, 2026 (current cycle)
• Proposals received after deadline may be resubmitted in next funding cycle

Grant Distribution:

• Board of Directors annually allocates a portion of Foundation's endowment
• Grant Committee reviews and evaluates proposals
• Accepted proposals are funded the following month
• In 2024-2025 fiscal year: $200,000 distributed to 22 nonprofit organizations

Post-Award Requirements:

• All recipients must submit a final grant report within one year of receiving funds
• Report must demonstrate funds were used as intended
• Delinquent reports will result in ineligibility for future funding

Contact Information:

• Phone: 408-264-8258
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Website: farringtonfoundation.org

Background:
The Farrington Historical Foundation carries on the philanthropy of benefactor Dorothy Bogen Farrington. Since 1998, the Foundation has distributed $4.9 million in community and director-designated grants to over 200 nonprofit organizations.

How to Apply

Step 1: Verify Email

• Start the online application process by verifying your email address

Step 2: Complete Online Application

• All applications must be submitted online
• Application is available at: farringtonfoundation.org/grants/apply/

Step 3: Submit Before Deadline

• Current deadline: Thursday, May 21, 2026
• Deadlines occur in November and May each year
• Proposals received after the deadline may be resubmitted during the next funding cycle

Required Information:

• Organization's 501(c)(3) status documentation
• Confirmation that grant funds will be used solely in Santa Clara County, California
• Description of project/activity and intended use of funds
• Organization mission and background
• How the project aligns with Foundation priorities

Assistance:
If you need help filling out the application, contact the Foundation office:

• Phone: 408-264-8258
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Email inquiries available through website contact form

Post-Approval:

• All grant recipients are required to submit a final grant report
• Final reports should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible after funds are used, but no later than one year from the date of grant receipt
• Final reports submitted online at: farringtonfoundation.org/grants/final-report/