Gilroy Foundation plans to invest more than $1 million in grants and scholarships in 2026, including $548,046 in support for Gilroy and South County nonprofit organizations.
The funding for the Gilroy Foundation’s grantmaking program was announced during its annual meeting and Grant Awards ceremony on April 23, held at Old City Hall. The annual meeting highlighted the foundation’s work over the past year and its growing role in supporting and connecting efforts across South County, says a press release from Gilroy Foundation.
Nonprofit organizations received funding through Gilroy Foundation’s Competitive Grant Cycle, Donor-Advised Funds, Designated Donor Funds and annual distributions to its nonprofit partners.
The foundation awarded a total of $87,685 in competitive grants to 18 nonprofit organizations during the event. The Competitive Grant Cycle is designed to support community-driven projects and programs aligned with the foundation’s mission. Applications opened Oct. 1, 2025, and closed Dec. 12, with recipients notified in March.
South County nonprofits that received up to $5,000 each are Gilroy Unified School District, South County Cal-SOAP, YMCA of Silicon Valley – Project Cornerstone, Operation Freedom Paws, Gilroy Little League, Rebekah Children’s Services, Nueva Vida Community, Gilroy High School, South County Youth Task Force , Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, One Step Closer Therapeutic Horsemanship, Healthier Kids Foundation, Rucker School Fifth Grade and PitStop Outreach.
The recipient of the foundation’s $10,000 Julie Hayes “Rising Star” Performing Arts Grant is MANOS Folklorico Gilroy. The recipient of the $10,000 Richard Hayes “Like A Rock” Career Technical Education Grant is Gilroy High School’s Culinary Arts Program. Community Solutions received the $1,000 Gilroy Foundation Youth Board Grant.
“This year’s grants reflect more than funding—they reflect a growing commitment to working together across South County to support the organizations and people who make this community stronger,” said Jaclyn Muro, Executive Director of Gilroy Foundation. “We’re proud to invest in work that is not only meeting immediate needs, but building long-term opportunity.”
Gilroy Foundation awards grants using 5% of year-end fund balances from its grantmaking funds, says the press release. Each application undergoes a thoughtful and thorough review process, and applicants not funded through the competitive cycle were recommended to donor-advised funds for additional consideration.
This year’s grantmaking also reflects Gilroy Foundation’s growing role as a regional partner across South County. Through initiatives like South County THRIVES and collaborative partnerships with local organizations, the foundation is helping connect nonprofits, donors and community leaders around shared priorities, creating a more coordinated approach to addressing community needs.
Gilroy Foundation welcomes applications from organizations working across a range of focus areas, including Agriculture, Artistic Enrichment, Education, Environment, Civic Services, Culture, Health, Recreation and Technology. Grants typically range from $500-$10,000.
In addition to its grantmaking, Gilroy Foundation will award $457,250 in scholarships to graduating seniors and community college transfer students, says the press release. In total, the foundation will invest $1,005,296 in grants and scholarships in 2026.
For more information about Gilroy Foundation’s Competitive Grant Cycle and application guidelines, visit gilroyfoundation.org/grants-scholarships/grants-for-nonprofits/.
Gilroy Foundation is a community-focused nonprofit organization committed to enhancing the quality of life in Gilroy and the broader South County region through philanthropic leadership and community partnerships. Since 1980, the Foundation has awarded more than $19 million in grants and scholarships and continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
