FOUNDATION GRANTS

One Valley Foundation invests in qualified nonprofit organizations creating meaningful local impact across the Coachella Valley. We support programs aligned with our three pillars—Education, Well-Being, and Community—and the focus areas defined within each pillar.

Our grantmaking is guided by a simple promise: Local Money Stays Local.

We invite eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the Coachella Valley to submit funding requests during our open application periods.

    • Summer Cycle: August 1 – September 30 – Awarded in December

    • Winter Cycle: January 1 – February 28 – Awarded in May

All requests are reviewed following each submission period, with funding decisions communicated shortly thereafter.

Before You Begin

Before submitting an application, please review the following information to determine whether your organization and proposed program are eligible.

Select the proposal’s primary purpose

Some programs may touch more than one pillar. Applicants should select the one pillar and focus area that most closely reflect the proposal’s primary purpose.

      • Programs centered on learning, literacy, leadership instruction, career readiness, inclusive education, or arts and music instruction belong in Education.
      • Programs centered on health, personal stability, housing, nutrition, sport participation, physical activity, resilience, or youth development belong in Well-Being.
      • Programs centered on inclusion, safety, independence, accessibility, community connection, animal welfare, or the human-animal bond belong in Community.

School-based programs

One Valley Foundation works directly with all three Coachella Valley public school districts to understand and respond to the needs of local students. Following a joint three-district convening, we established an Education Committee with representatives from elementary, middle, high, and alternative schools. Their insight helps us identify priorities, coordinate support, and ensure our education investments reflect the needs of students across the Valley.

We also support eligible nonprofit organizations whose programs strengthen learning and opportunity beyond the classroom—from literacy, leadership, and inclusive education to arts, music, workforce training, and career pathways.

One Valley Foundation does not accept applications directly from individual schools or school districts.

Programs benefiting students or taking place on school campuses must be submitted and administered by an eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, such as a district education foundation or qualified nonprofit program partner.

Hockey-related requests

Access to Hockey remains a flagship initiative within the Well-Being pillar.

      • Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking funding for hockey or sport-access programs should apply through this grant process under Well-Being — Access to Hockey & Sport.
      • Individuals or families seeking financial assistance with hockey program fees, or participation costs should use the separate Hockey Grant Application.
      • Organizations seeking Firebirds tickets for an auction, raffle, or fundraising event should submit a Ticket Donation Request through the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

Eligibility

To be considered for funding, an applicant must:

      • Be recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
      • Be in good standing at the time of application and award.
      • Provide programs or services that directly benefit the Coachella Valley.
      • Submit a request aligned with at least one approved pillar and focus area.
      • Demonstrate a clear community need and intended local impact.
      • Agree to provide a post-program or post-grant impact report.

Funding is competitive, and not all eligible requests will receive an award.

 

WHAT WE SUPPORT

EDUCATION

Invest in Every Mind

We support programs that help local students build the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Elementary Literacy & Student Engagement

Programs that promote reading, student engagement, confidence, and access to educational resources.

Middle School Leadership Development

Programs that use leadership instruction, character development, communication, recognition, and other learning experiences to build confidence and positive school culture.

High School Workforce Pathways

Career-readiness programs, apprenticeships, certifications, skilled-trade training, vocational education, and other pathways into meaningful employment.

Inclusive & Adaptive Learning

Programs supporting students with disabilities, learning differences, or other barriers to educational opportunity.

Arts & Music Education

Instructional programs that expand access to creativity, communication, artistic development, music, and educational enrichment.

    WELL-BEING

    Strengthen Every Life

    We support programs that help people live healthier, safer, more active, and more stable lives.

    Access to Hockey & Sport

    Hockey and recreational opportunities that remove barriers to participation while promoting movement, confidence, discipline, teamwork, resilience, and belonging.

    Mental & Emotional Well-Being

    Mental and emotional health services, youth and family support, suicide prevention, programs that reduce isolation, and initiatives that strengthen resilience and connection.

    Food Security & Basic Needs

    Programs addressing hunger, food access, clothing, hygiene, utilities, and other immediate material needs that affect an individual’s or family’s ability to thrive.

    Housing Stability & Homelessness

    Homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, transitional housing, housing navigation, and services that help individuals and families achieve or maintain safe and stable housing.

    Active Living & Youth Development

    Programs promoting physical activity, mentorship, healthy habits, teamwork, leadership, and positive development for youth and families.

      COMMUNITY

      Lift Every Neighbor

      We support programs that strengthen belonging, dignity, safety, independence, accessibility, connection, and the human-animal bond.

      Inclusion & Belonging

      Programs that reduce barriers, celebrate diversity, strengthen understanding, and help residents feel welcomed, respected, represented, and connected.

      Crisis Support & Safety

      Crisis intervention, family safety, victim services, emergency response, therapeutic support, and immediate assistance for residents experiencing urgent or destabilizing circumstances.

      Independence, Access & Community Connection

      Programs that help seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, caregivers, and other residents facing barriers remain independent, access needed resources, reduce isolation, and participate meaningfully in community life.

      Animal Welfare & Human Connection

      Programs that protect and care for animals, promote responsible pet ownership, strengthen the human-animal bond, and help people and pets remain safely together.

        What to Expect

          • Organizations must register to apply with the link below. Once verified, organizations will receive an email with the application.
          • Applications are collected and reviewed after each deadline.
          • Requests are evaluated based on eligibility, pillar alignment, demonstrated need, local impact, measurable outcomes, and reasonable use of funds.
          • Funding is competitive, and submission of an application does not guarantee an award.
          • Selected organizations will receive additional instructions regarding award agreements, recognition, use of funds, and reporting requirements.
          • Grant recipients will be asked to provide a post-program impact report. A brief video is preferred, although a short written report may also be accepted.
          • One Valley Foundation may request photographs, testimonials, outcome information, or other approved materials that help communicate the impact of the grant.

        DATES TO REMEMBER

        Summer Cycle: August 1 – September 30 – Awarded in December

        Winter Cycle: January 1 – February 28 – Awarded in May

        Register to Apply