The Orinda Community Foundation (OCF) is inviting local non-profit organizations to apply for grants as it continues its mission of supporting programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in Orinda.
Grant applications for funding in 2027 are being accepted through Oct. 15.
“Any charity that does work in Orinda should apply,” said Jim Keefe, president of the Orinda Community Foundation board. “Our focus is on small grants that add to the quality of the Orinda community.”
Applications are accepted annually from Sept. 1 through Oct. 15 for the following year’s funding. More information and the application are available at orindafoundation.org.
OCF supports a wide range of local organizations and activities. Its stated mission is to enhance the quality of life in Orinda by fostering community spirit and citizen engagement, building partnerships and providing financial assistance for community activities, beautification and the arts.
Among the organizations Keefe highlighted as past or current beneficiaries are the Orinda Garden Club, Orinda Historical Society, Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe, Hospice of the East Bay, Orinda Starlight Village Players, City of Orinda Parks and Recreation, Lamorinda Arts Council, The Orinda Association and The Orinda News.
Other projects and programs supported by OCF include Light Up Orinda and Lamorinda Idol.
The foundation’s 2025 grant recipients also included organizations such as Fire Safe Moraga-Orinda, Lamorinda Village, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region, Mindful Littles, Orinda Junior Women’s Club, Pacific Chamber Orchestra and Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center.
For Keefe, the breadth of those organizations reflects the foundation’s goal of supporting different aspects of community life.
“We want to enhance the quality of life in our city via funding a diverse group of activities,” he said.
Grant applications are reviewed by an OCF grants committee, which makes recommendations to the foundation’s board. The board has final approval over the grants, Keefe said.
The foundation is led by an all-volunteer board of trustees. It works with the City of Orinda, local nonprofits, schools, businesses and community organizations, and also sponsors community activities including Orinda Action Day and the annual Orinda Citizen of the Year award banquet.
For organizations that receive funding, the grants can mean more than simply receiving a check. They can allow community groups to concentrate their resources on the programs and events they provide rather than having to devote as much time and energy to fundraising.
Cindy Powell, an Orinda Association board member, said OCF’s support of programs including the organization’s 4th of July parade and Seniors Around Town has made a significant difference.
“I feel OCF is invaluable,” Powell said. “Focusing on our events and programs is enough, without having to manage fundraising.”
Powell said one of her favorite OCF-supported programs is Light Up Orinda, which brought a major display of holiday lights to the community.
“They could have done the project in small increments each year, but the ‘wow’ factor of having all the lights finished last year was wonderful,” she said.
Looking ahead, Keefe said OCF’s goal is consistency.
“OCF’s main goal is to consistently fund local activities that add livability to our city and to do so year after year,” he said.
Residents can support the foundation by making donations or volunteering to serve on its board, which is made up entirely of volunteers.
Organizations interested in applying for a grant should visit orindafoundation.org for application information. The application period for 2027 grants closes Oct. 15.
Orinda Community Foundation grant applications due Oct. 15
