U.S. Venture/​Schmidt Family Foundation

We are excited to launch our new and improved grant platform, Temelio. The new design is easier to navigate and more user-friendly. Please note the following:

• You will need to create a new account for your first sign in.
• When you enter your EIN number, there is an integration with Candid. Please update your
  profile so your application is populated with the correct information. You will also have
  the option to update information in the application.
• If you encounter any difficulties, the Live Temelio chat box (available during business
  hours) will be accessible while you are filling out the application.
• Once you are in the main application, there is an option to download the questions for
  offline review.
• For further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

Organizations can apply for grants or event sponsorships valued at up to $35,000. Please note that each charitable organization is eligible to receive one sponsorship or grant per calendar year.

To qualify for funding from the CEC:

• Organizations must be recognized as public charities under IRS guidelines, with preference given to those holding 501(c)(3) status.
• Applications should align with our giving guidelines and demonstrate documented support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder.
• U.S. Venture prefers to collaborate with additional funders, so we do not typically serve as the sole financial supporter. A full list of pending and committed sponsors must be provided with your application.

The CEC is proud to support organizations that create meaningful, lasting change in our communities. If your mission aligns with these values, we encourage you to apply!

The current grant cycle is now closed. The new grant cycle will officially begin on December 15, 2025.

We are excited to launch our new and improved grant platform, Temelio. The new design is easier to navigate and more user-friendly. Please note the following:

• You will need to create a new account for your first sign in.
• When you enter your EIN number, there is an integration with Candid. Please update your
  profile so your application is populated with the correct information. You will also have
  the option to update information in the application.
• If you encounter any difficulties, the Live Temelio chat box (available during business
  hours) will be accessible while you are filling out the application.
• Once you are in the main application, there is an option to download the questions for
  offline review.
• For further assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

We accept a wide range of funding requests, including:

• Specific program needs
• Capital support
• General operating support

Please 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).

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 engagement
• Self-sufficiency
• Community enrichment
• Well-being of vulnerable populations

What We Fund
Our 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.

Typically Outside our Funding
While 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.

The current grant cycle is now closed. The new grant cycle will officially begin on December 15, 2025.

Have questions or want to discuss your request before applying? Reach out to us at [email protected], and our team will assist you.

Important Information:

• Please allow 8-10 weeks after the application deadline for a grant decision.
• If there’s a significant change in how the funding will be used after receiving grant support, you must get prior approval from the Foundation. Submit your request in writing to [email protected].
• A 12-month final grant report is required before submitting any future funding requests.