Community Engagement Committee

The Community Engagement Committee (CEC) of the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF) serves as a specialized subcommittee focused on empowering local communities through targeted grants and sponsorships. The Foundation, which originated in 1985 through the philanthropic efforts of Art, Ray, and Bill Schmidt in honor of their parents, Albert and Margaret Schmidt, has consistently upheld a mission rooted in generosity, compassion, and community support. Backed by a robust funding model that combines endowment earnings and a share of U.S. Venture's annual net profits, USV/SFF has provided over $4.31 million in grants in the past year, and over $6 million annually, supporting initiatives that promote self-sufficiency, community enrichment, and the well-being of vulnerable populations. The CEC directs its grantmaking specifically toward local initiatives that are aligned with the broader mission of the Foundation but are also uniquely supported by U.S. Venture team members or shareholders. Each year, the CEC offers grants and event sponsorships up to $35,000 per award, emphasizing collaboration, sustainability, and long-term impact. Funding is intended to amplify positive community outcomes and encourage additional funders to join in support; therefore, applicants must provide documentation of other pending or committed sponsors. The funding program is open to charitable organizations recognized under IRS guidelines, with preference given to 501(c)(3) entities. A critical eligibility requirement is demonstrated support from a U.S. Venture team member or shareholder. The Foundation generally avoids being the sole funder and requires applicants to submit a list of all other funders involved in the project or event. Each organization is eligible to receive only one grant or sponsorship per calendar year from the CEC. Applications for the 2025 cycle will open on September 8, 2025, and close at 5:00 p.m. on October 24, 2025. Applicants can expect to receive a decision within 8 to 10 weeks following the submission deadline. While no formal final report is required post-award, the CEC encourages grantees to provide updates on project success and to share promotional materials that reflect the impact of the funding. All applications must be submitted through Temelio, a newly implemented grant management platform. Applicants must create a new account and use their EIN to pull relevant data through an integration with Candid. Technical support is available during business hours through a live chat feature in the Temelio system. For additional questions, applicants may contact the Foundation via email at foundation@usventure.com. Through its grantmaking, the CEC seeks to support organizations that generate meaningful and sustainable improvements in the communities where U.S. Venture operates. From advancing equity and enrichment to enhancing the self-sufficiency of individuals and families, the Foundation's CEC grants represent a strategic tool for corporate community investment that leverages both financial resources and the volunteer spirit of U.S. Venture employees.

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