U.S. Venture Program Grants

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation supports initiatives that drive self-sufficiency and community enrichment for vulnerable populations. With over $4.31 million awarded last year, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable impact and foster stronger communities. Eligible organizations include those designated as public charities by the IRS. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders, avoiding sole financial support to ensure comprehensive community development.

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 $4.31 million last year to initiatives that align with its mission.
Program Grants Overview
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.
Funding Priorities
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 engagementSelf-sufficiencyCommunity enrichmentWell-being of vulnerable populations

Eligibility

We accept a wide range of funding requests, including:Specific program needsCapital supportGeneral operating supportPlease 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).
The CEC is proud to support organizations that create meaningful, lasting change in our communities.Program Grant Funding GuidelinesWhat We FundOur 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.

Ineligibility

Typically Outside our FundingWhile 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.