Community Engagement Committee Grant

The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) grant is administered by the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF), a philanthropic arm of U.S. Venture, Inc. The foundation is deeply committed to supporting initiatives that promote self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. The CEC operates as a dedicated sub-committee composed of passionate U.S. Venture team members and shareholders. Through this grantmaking initiative, the CEC provides funding of up to $35,000 per award to nonprofit organizations working to uplift disadvantaged communities and build more inclusive, connected environments. As of 2026, the CEC has introduced a refined grantmaking process, including a new application portal called Temelio. Designed for ease of use and accessibility, the platform allows applicants to download the full list of application questions for offline review before submitting the completed application online. The platform includes a live chat function for real-time assistance during business hours. Each organization is eligible for only one grant award per calendar year, ensuring broad distribution of funds across a diverse range of recipients. Grant applicants must demonstrate alignment with USV/SFF's giving guidelines and values, such as long-term community impact and collaborative funding. Preference is given to organizations that hold 501(c)(3) status and that have a documented connection to a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder. These sponsors must be actively involved, as internal sponsorship by a team member is a required condition for funding consideration. Furthermore, the application must include a list of all pending and committed funders, as USV/SFF typically does not act as the sole financial supporter. Funding may be used for general program support that contributes meaningfully to community development, quality of life, and equitable access to services or opportunities. However, all use of funds must align with the foundation’s core values and priorities. Applications that do not demonstrate a strong connection to a team member or shareholder will not be considered. Organizations are encouraged to clearly articulate how their work leads to sustainable, measurable outcomes in the populations they serve. The CEC grant has a recurring application schedule in 2026 with three distinct funding windows. The first opens on March 30, 2026 and closes on May 17, 2026. The second runs from June 29 to August 16, 2026, and the third from October 12 to November 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted via the Temelio platform during these open periods. Notifications and award disbursements typically follow soon after the close of each cycle, although exact timelines may vary. For questions or support during the application process, applicants are encouraged to contact foundation@usventure.com. While there are no explicit pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers, all applicants must work through their U.S. Venture team member contact to begin the application process. The foundation emphasizes clarity, alignment with community priorities, and collaboration in its funding decisions.

Ensure team member sponsorship; include co-funders; use Temelio support tools.