Good Neighbor Program

The Good Neighbor Program is a community-focused grantmaking initiative administered by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a private philanthropic organization dedicated to addressing the needs of disadvantaged populations. Rooted in the Foundation’s broader mission to alleviate human suffering and improve lives, this program specifically targets local impact by supporting nonprofit organizations and eligible schools operating near the Foundation’s headquarters in Westlake Village, California. The initiative reflects the Foundation’s belief in strengthening communities through direct, localized investments that address poverty and social disadvantage. The primary purpose of the Good Neighbor Program is to provide financial support to organizations delivering direct services within a defined geographic area known as the Conejo Valley and its surrounding communities, including Camarillo, Oxnard, and Ventura. Eligible communities within the Conejo Valley include Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village. The program prioritizes organizations actively working to improve conditions for individuals experiencing hardship, aligning with the Foundation’s broader philanthropic priorities. For the 2026 program year, all grants are standardized at a fixed amount of 10000 dollars for nonprofit organizations, with funding designated as general operating support. This approach is intended to simplify the application process and provide grantees with flexibility in how funds are used to sustain and expand their services. However, a distinct funding structure applies to Title 1 schools, which are eligible for project or program-specific support capped at 5000 dollars. The program explicitly excludes funding for a variety of activities, including political advocacy, fundraising events, endowments, travel, and projects outside the defined geographic region. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and Title 1 schools operating within the specified service area. Organizations headquartered outside the region may still qualify if they provide services within the eligible communities. The program enforces strict non-discrimination requirements and prohibits funding for entities that engage in discriminatory practices. Additionally, grants are awarded for a one-year period, and while organizations may apply for consecutive funding, there are restrictions on repeated awards beyond two consecutive years, requiring a waiting period before reapplication. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online system during the established submission window, which for the 2026 cycle runs from April 1, 2026 through August 28, 2026. All applications are reviewed after the deadline, and funding decisions are communicated to applicants by November 6, 2026. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent, and all submissions appear to follow a single-stage application process. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, but the program emphasizes alignment with community needs, service delivery within the geographic focus area, and adherence to funding guidelines. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their capacity to provide direct services and effectively utilize general operating support. Questions regarding the program can be directed to the Foundation via the provided email contact, ensuring applicants have access to support during the application process. Overall, the Good Neighbor Program represents a targeted, place-based funding opportunity designed to strengthen local nonprofit capacity and support essential services for vulnerable populations. Its streamlined structure, fixed award amounts, and clearly defined geographic focus make it accessible while maintaining a strong emphasis on community impact and accountability.