Trinity Trust Community Response Grants

The Trinity Trust Community Response Grant Program is administered by the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, serving the residents of Trinity County, California. The Trinity Trust operates as an affiliate of the Humboldt Area Foundation, managing its own endowment and grantmaking while leveraging the administrative infrastructure of the larger foundation. The Community Response Grant Program is intended to address urgent, one-time, or unforeseen community needs where a modest investment can generate lasting benefits. This program does not function as a recurring or annual funding source. Applicants are advised that projects requiring long-term support must establish future funding strategies, as repeat funding for the same project is rarely awarded. The grants are designed for community-centered efforts that build collaborative relationships, engage youth, involve beneficiaries in planning, develop leadership, or improve organizational capacity. Preference is given to projects that leverage other sources of funding or resources and align with multiple program priorities. Grants typically range between $3,000 and $5,000, with the average staying below $10,000. Requests exceeding $10,000 are considered only if they clearly meet multiple funding goals and show evidence of additional fundraising or partnerships. Eligible applicants include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public benefit organizations (such as schools, hospitals, tribal governments), or groups working under a qualified fiscal sponsor. Projects must directly serve the communities of Trinity County, and applicants from outside the county must demonstrate local collaboration. Grant funds cannot be used for travel outside the area, scholarships abroad, religious programs benefiting only members of specific faiths, deferred maintenance, or annual operating costs of public institutions, governments, or cemeteries. Grants cannot cover previously incurred expenses. The program has two deadlines annually—one in March and another in October—with the current cycle closing in October 2025. Submissions are made through an online portal managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation. Application components include descriptions of the charitable purpose, budget, timeline, community engagement, demographic reach, and anticipated impact. Projects are evaluated on their relevance, urgency, impact, collaborative nature, and alignment with grant goals. For assistance, applicants may contact the Foundation via grants@hafoundation.org or call 707-442-2993, identifying themselves as seeking Trinity Trust application support.

Clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one grant priority. Collaborate locally and show community input. Provide a compelling justification for urgent or one-time need.