Wish Book Grant

Wish Book Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund Inc
Last Updated: July 13, 2025

Summary

The Wish Book Grant, initiated by the San Jose Mercury News, supports local nonprofits in the Bay Area by providing funding through a holiday fundraising campaign. Each year, approximately 20 grantees are selected based on their impactful initiatives that address community needs, including homelessness, food insecurity, and systemic racism. Since its inception, the program has raised over $12 million, connecting readers with opportunities to support meaningful causes during the holiday season.

Overview

Note: Application period may close sooner if capacity of 150 accepted applications reached before Aug. 12 San Jose Mercury News Wish Book Fund About Us In 1983, The Mercury News launched Wish Book, a non-profit philanthropy that connects their readers to Bay Area organizations that provide laudable causes such as assisting seniors, alleviating homelessness, providing food and counseling abused people. Every September, Wish Book selects about 20 local non-profit groups that have applied for assistance. Those selected will have their stories and “Wishes”, their hopes and needs, published in the Mercury News in print and online from Thanksgiving to the end of the year. During this holiday fundraising drive, readers are encouraged to help fulfill these wishes by donating. Since its inception, Wish Book has raised over $12 million — thanks to the generosity of donors. Wish Book Grant Wish Book provides grants to local organizations and nonprofits from their holiday fundraising campaign from November to January. Every year, about 20 grantees are selected through a competitive application and review process. Those selected will be featured in stories in The Mercury News and used for fundraising efforts throughout the holiday season. Organizations and nonprofits interested in receiving a grant for the upcoming Wish Book holiday campaign are encouraged to apply. Wish Book is interested in funding initiatives or organizations that: Provide excellent story topics to highlight good work of individuals and/or organizations, with special consideration given to submissions with specific program participants willing to be interviewed by The Mercury News or Bay Area News Group affliate.Expose readers/influencers to community needs and specific populations.Represent diverse populations and geographic areas within San Mateo, Santa Clara or Santa Cruz counties.Create meaningful impact for residents of San Mateo, Santa Clara or Santa Cruz counties, and reflect well on the nonprofit sector.Address priority areas including systemic racism, climate change, unsheltered residents, food insecurity, community activism.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grant funding will only be given to 501(C)(3) nonprofits, schools, and other public entities located in or serving the communities in San Mateo, Santa Clara or Santa Cruz counties. Other considerations:Wish Book WILL consider grant requests for:Existing programs and operations, expansion of programs, and projects that are time-limited in nature.New programs/organizations that demonstrate clear and relevant goals.Programs and educational activities that seek to build capacity.

Ineligibility

Wish Book generally WILL NOT consider grant requests for:Programs or projects outside of San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties.Individuals, businesses, or private foundations.Endowment, capital campaigns, or support for fundraising events.