Eligibility and Types of Grants

Eligibility for Submitting a Funding Request
Applicants to the Y & H Soda Foundation must meet the following primary criteria in order to be considered for a grant:

Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
The Y & H Soda Foundation only makes grants to programs serving residents of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.


Valid Tax-Exempt Status
The Y & H Soda Foundation only makes grants to organizations that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are classified as “not a private foundation,” or to organizations whose activities are for a charitable purpose and sponsored by a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization.


Underserved Populations
Central to the mission of the Y & H Soda Foundation is a commitment to supporting underserved communities. Applicant organizations must demonstrate that programs and services are focused on economically and otherwise disadvantaged populations. This includes, but is not limited to: low-income children, youth and families; seniors; immigrants; and communities of color.


Cultural Competence
Given the rich diversity of the East Bay, the Y & H Soda Foundation looks to organizations working with diverse populations to be understanding of and sensitive to different cultures, languages and needs. We seek to support culturally competent organizations that are engaged with and responsive to diverse individuals and communities.


Sound Organizational Management
The Y & H Soda Foundation believes in a strong and robust nonprofit sector. We seek to support a variety of organizations – small and large, new and established, grassroots and institutional. Across nonprofits, we look for organizational processes and procedures that are transparent, accountable and effective. We will consider requests to help strengthen such internal processes through capacity building grants. Please see the types of grants section for further information.

Types of Grants
The following types of grants are available to applicants:

Program or Project Grants
Program and project grants support specific efforts through which an organization carries out its mission. These include new or existing programs and projects, which can be ongoing or over a specified period of time. Both program and project grants involve measurable outcomes and results.

Core Operating Grants
Core operating support (also known as general operating support or unrestricted funding) helps underwrite the day-to-day administrative, infrastructure and overhead costs that enable an organization to carry out its mission. Examples of general support include staff salaries and administrative overhead costs such as rent and
office expenses.

Capacity-Building Grants
Capacity-building grants support activities that strengthen the internal resources of an organization. Capacity building may include strategic planning, fund development, board and staff development, and organizational learning assessments. Such grants would result in enhanced organizational capabilities to better achieve an organization’s mission.

Please see the Applying for Program, Core Operating or Capacity Building Grants section for more information.

Capital Grants
Capital grant requests include moving to new facilities, improvements to existing facilities, or improvement of the physical assets of an organization. Please see the Applying for Capital Grants section for more information.

Programmatic and Project Restrictions
Grants are NOT made for:
• The arts
• Annual fundraising campaigns
• Media programs
• National medical research
• Animal welfare
• Environmental causes
• Faculty chairs
• Endowments
• Advocacy
• Political contributions

Organizational Restrictions
Grants are NOT made to:
• Individuals
• Private foundations