West Sacramento Foundation Grant

The West Sacramento Foundation Grant is a community-focused funding program designed to strengthen local nonprofit organizations that directly serve residents of West Sacramento. Since its founding in 1988, the Foundation has provided hundreds of small grants to local groups, supporting the launch and continuation of community programs that otherwise might not have been possible. The emphasis is on improving the quality of life in West Sacramento by funding projects that bring neighbors together, promote equity, and build civic pride. Past grantees have included initiatives in youth development, neighborhood events, cultural programs, and support for families facing essential needs. The grant program prioritizes accessibility and breadth of impact by offering a larger number of smaller awards rather than concentrating funding into a few larger grants. Award amounts typically range from $500 to $2,000, with a total funding pool of $20,000 available for the current cycle. These small but meaningful investments are intended to catalyze community-driven projects that connect residents, celebrate cultural diversity, and address pressing challenges in creative ways. The grant focus areas include launching or expanding programs that directly benefit residents, strengthening opportunities for youth, families, and seniors, and fostering inclusion and belonging across the city. Applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and funding must be directed toward serving residents of West Sacramento. Priority consideration is given to organizations based within the city itself, though outside organizations may apply if their services directly benefit local residents. Only one application per organization is allowed each year. The review process evaluates whether proposed projects will measurably improve quality of life, can be completed within one year of award, are deliverable with the grant or combined funds, and are clearly connected to the community. Applications open on September 22, 2025, and close on October 31, 2025. The Foundation also hosts opportunities for applicant engagement, including a Zoom information session on October 1, 2025, and two office hour sessions on October 16 and October 24, 2025. The review process is scheduled for the week of November 17, 2025, with funding announcements expected in the first week of December. Successful grantees are expected to complete their projects within one year of receiving the award. The grant application process consists of submitting a short online proposal form. No additional pre-application gating requirements, such as a letter of intent, are required. Awardees will be selected based on the alignment of their proposed project with the Foundation’s mission of supporting West Sacramento residents, the feasibility of implementation, and the potential for meaningful community impact. The Foundation does not require matching funds, ensuring that small nonprofits with limited resources can still apply and benefit. The program is managed by the Yolo Community Foundation, with Carolina Valverde serving as the Program Manager. Interested applicants may contact her directly at Carolina.Valverde@yolocf.org for additional information. With its recurring annual cycle, the West Sacramento Foundation Grant continues to serve as a cornerstone for sustaining local nonprofit programs and promoting equitable growth within the West Sacramento community.

Strong applications will demonstrate direct benefit to West Sacramento residents, feasibility within one year, and clear community impact.