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Gilroy Foundation Competitive Grant Program

Gilroy Foundation

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits

Funding Amount

$500 - $5,000

Deadline

December 12, 2026

78 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Gilroy Foundation Competitive Grant Program

Status: Active annual grant cycle

Geographic Scope: Gilroy, CA and South County area

Focus Areas:

  • Agriculture

  • Artistic Enrichment

  • Education

  • Environment

  • Civic Services

  • Culture

  • Health

  • Recreation

  • Technology
  • Award Range: $500 - $5,000 per grant

    Background: Over four decades of grantmaking supporting 501(c)(3) organizations and tax-exempt groups. Since 1980, Gilroy Foundation has awarded over $18.5 million in grants and scholarships. In 2025, awarded $88,948 to 18 nonprofit groups from competitive cycle.

    Grant Purposes:

  • Increase the self-sufficiency of children and families

  • Build the capacity of students to excel in school

  • Promote the physical, mental, and social health of all individuals

  • Enrich the cultural life of the community

  • Improve the environment

  • Help bridge gaps in neighborhoods
  • Funding Mechanism: 5% of year-end balances from grantmaking funds are allocated to competitive grant recipients

    Contact:

  • Email: grants@gilroyfoundation.org

  • Phone: (408) 842-3727

  • Address: 60 Fourth Street #208, Gilroy, CA 95020
  • How to Apply

    Competitive Grant Application Process

    1. Eligibility: Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or tax-exempt group

    2. Application Requirements:
    - Complete PDF application form
    - Proof of tax-exempt status
    - Other documentation as specified

    3. Submission:
    - Submit applications by email to grants@gilroyfoundation.org
    - Follow instructions provided with application materials

    4. Selection Criteria:
    - Organization qualifications
    - Closeness of fit between project and grant purpose
    - Various other evaluation considerations

    5. Timeline:
    - Application period: October 1 - December 12 (annual)
    - Applicants notified: March

    6. Reapplication: Organizations not awarded in past cycles may reapply

    What Gilroy Foundation actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 2024

    Grants in 2024
    26
    Total given
    $1.12M
    Median grant
    $7,319
    Range
    $5,100–$594K
    • By dollars: California 100%. Top recipient cities: Gilroy, CA.
    • 42% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

    Example grants

    • Digital Nest · Gilroy, CA

      $594K

    • Various 5000 or Less · Gilroy, CA

      $116K

    • Christopher High School · Gilroy, CA

      $96K

    • Gilroy Unified School Distric · Gilroy, CA

      $65K

    • St Joseph Family Center · Gilroy, CA

      $41K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2024. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofits

    Categories

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