Frequently asked questions

Eligibility varies from scholarship to scholarship. Please view our list of current scholarships in the table above (on the Scholarships page) to learn more about the eligibility requirements for each scholarship award.

Yes. Whether you’re making a one-time donation or are making grants from your own fund, you can remain anonymous if you so choose.

Absolutely! We gladly accept donations of any amount, and you can select your preferred fund when making your donation. If you don’t have a preference, we’d always appreciate a gift to our General Grantmaking Fund, which goes toward local students and nonprofits each year. Donate now.

Definitely! Please print our membership form and send it along with your check to our address:

Gilroy Foundation
P.O. Box 774
Gilroy, CA 95021

No. You will have the opportunity each year to renew your membership. You can do so by responding to our renewal mail-out or by contacting us.

Yes. In addition to gifts of cash (payable by check or credit card), we accept gifts of stock, real estate, and cryptocurrency!

Check this page for announcements on upcoming grant cycles and then follow the instructions provided. Generally speaking, we’ll ask that you fill out a PDF application and provide proof of tax-exempt status (among other documentation). Unless otherwise specified, grant applications are accepted by email to grants@gilroyfoundation.org.

View our list of current scholarships in the table just above and click on any link to learn more. Each scholarship provides instructions on how to apply as well as the deadline.

You can become a member by making a donation within your preferred membership level. To donate via PayPal, use these links:

Become a silver member
Become a gold member
Become a platinum member

You can also print our membership form and send it along with a check to our address:

Gilroy Foundation
P.O. Box 774
Gilroy, CA 95021

We carefully review grant applications and thoroughly research and evaluate each organization that applies. Funds are granted based on the organization’s qualifications, the closeness of fit between the intended project and the grant’s purpose, and many other considerations.

We understand that the community needs are great, and we regret that not every request can be fulfilled. If you applied for a grant in past cycles but did not receive the award, you are welcome to apply again.

We’d love to. Our staff is here to help you navigate the many options available and help you choose the one that best fits your situation and priorities. No matter what cause you care about, we can identify or create a vehicle to maximize your impact. Please contact us to discuss the many ways you can give back to Gilroy.

Absolutely! Beyond our many standard giving options listed above (one-time donations, memberships, etc.), we can also help you create your own personalized giving opportunity. Please view our other services or contact us to discuss your philanthropic goals.

Yes! There are several ways you can fund a scholarship. One way is to make a donation or become a member; 5% of all year-end balances of these funds go toward our grantmaking fund. Another way to fund a scholarship is to open your own fund or work with us to create a custom giving opportunity.

Add even more value to your gift! Matching Gifts provide you with an easy way to potentially double—if not triple—your original donation. Many businesses/employers supplement their employees’ contributions. In fact, your company, a spouse’s company, the company whose board you serve, or even a company you retired from may match your gift.

By simply asking your Human Resource Officer about your company’s policy, completing a simple form (online or on paper), you may be able to double—or even triple—the impact of your gift to Gilroy Foundation.

Gilroy members receive special benefits and recognition, including a listing on our website and invitations to special events (depending on the membership level).

Grant criteria varies on a grant-by-grant basis; please carefully read the criteria documentation provided alongside the grant application. If you have any questions about the criteria or how we apply them, please contact us for clarification.

Almost anything you want! You can direct your membership donation to our General Grantmaking Fund or to a Community Needs Fund in these areas: Agriculture, Art, Education, Health, and Technology. If you have any questions about these funds, please contact us.