Program Grants

The U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Program Grants initiative is a private philanthropic funding opportunity designed to support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities and improve quality of life. Established in 1985, the foundation operates as a hybrid corporate and family foundation rooted in the values of generosity, volunteerism, and community support. It is funded through an endowment and a percentage of annual net profits from U.S. Venture, allowing it to distribute millions of dollars each year to mission-aligned initiatives. The foundation focuses its giving on communities where U.S. Venture has a presence, emphasizing long-term partnerships and measurable impact. The purpose of the Program Grants is to empower disadvantaged populations, promote self-sufficiency, and enhance community well-being. Funding is directed toward initiatives that align with key impact areas, including team member and shareholder engagement, self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and support for vulnerable populations. The program is designed to support organizations that demonstrate the ability to deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes, particularly those that can show measurable benefits to a substantial number of individuals within their communities. Funding is flexible in scope and may be used for a variety of needs, including specific programmatic activities, capital support, and general operating expenses. However, the foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate strong organizational health, financial stability, and a clear mission. Preference is given to initiatives supported by multiple funding sources, as the foundation typically avoids serving as the sole contributor to a project. Certain uses of funds are explicitly excluded, including grants to individuals, political activities, expenses incurred prior to approval, and funding for schools, government agencies, or religious activities tied to membership growth. Eligibility is limited to organizations that are recognized as public charities by the Internal Revenue Service, with a preference for those holding 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate a direct connection to U.S. Venture through team member or shareholder involvement, such as board participation, volunteerism, or donor engagement. Organizations must also operate within geographic areas where U.S. Venture has facilities or team members, ensuring that funding remains locally impactful. The application process is conducted through an online grant management platform, Temelio. Applicants are required to complete and submit their applications directly within the system, although they may download questions for offline preparation. Support is available through a live chat feature during business hours, and applicants may contact the foundation via email for assistance. While specific application components are not fully detailed, the process typically includes organizational information, project descriptions, and supporting documentation demonstrating impact and capacity. Applications are accepted during three defined cycles annually, with submission windows in spring, summer, and fall. For 2026, application periods run from March 30 to May 17, June 29 to August 16, and October 12 to November 15. Applicants can expect a decision within approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the application deadline. Organizations receiving funding must submit a final report within 12 months before applying again, and any changes to the use of funds require prior written approval from the foundation. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle, offering multiple opportunities for organizations to apply throughout the year. Each organization is generally limited to one program grant per calendar year. The foundation encourages early engagement and communication with its team to ensure alignment with funding priorities and to clarify any questions prior to submission. Through this structured yet flexible approach, the Program Grants initiative aims to build strong partnerships and deliver sustained community impact.

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