Audacious Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Audacious Foundation is a private foundation in Santa Barbara, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $968,227 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $5,011 and the largest $503,900. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$968,227
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$5,011
- Largest grant$503,900
- Assets$2.8 million
- New grantees69%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.3 million the year before.
69% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 million | 51 | $4.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 20 | $3.1 million |
| 2025 | $968,227 | 17 | $2.8 million |
How to apply
Audacious Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Audacious Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 14 | $940,211 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $27,500 |
| Virginia | 2 | $516 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wilderness Youth Project Incorporated | REACH Fellowship, supporting first generation college going, lower income youth to achieve their full potential | $503,900 |
| Explore Ecology | "Garden Explorers" cultivating garden education opportunities in early childhood communities, including TK teachers in a three year program | $250,000 |
| Children and Family Resource Services | conclusion of the Future Smiles program, supporting 343 patients enrolled and documenting program tools, successes and evaluation data for potential future use | $95,000 |
| Golden State South MTB | expand youth mountain biking including scholarships, clinics, try it out days, and CycleMAYnia events in low to moderate income areas | $45,000 |
| Children and Nature Network | Economic Value of Greening Early Care and Education Outdoor Spaces | $27,500 |
| Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation | HOPE Facilitator and Champion Training for a cohort of Santa Barbara County leaders | $15,000 |
| Santa Maria Valley YMCA | preschool swim lessons for 30 children, plus swim lessons for Guadalupe or Santa Maria school children in 2026 | $12,000 |
| The Foundation Roundtable | PFE Sponsorship, NPRN, and Roundtable Dues | $6,500 |
| Channel Islands YMCA | transportation for swim lessons at Our Lady of Guadalupe Feb 2 2026 - Mar 30, 2026 | $5,011 |
| Santa Barbara Foundation | 12th Annual School Wellness Summit September 17, 2025 | $3,000 |
| Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden | general operating support, with gratitude for allowing guests to visit for the Early Childhood Retreat | $2,000 |
| Santa Maria Valley YMCA | preschool swim lessons | $2,000 |
| Starr-King Parent-Child Workshop | Early Childhood Retreat Best Practice Winner | $500 |
| Communities in Schools of Richmond | Matching gift | $258 |
| Historic Richmond | Matching gift | $258 |
| Cuyama Elementary School | Early Childhood Retreat Best Practice Winner | $150 |
| Hollister School | Early Childhood Retreat Best Practice Winner | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul J Orfalea
- Catherine Brozowski
Questions people ask
Does Audacious Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Audacious Foundation give?
$968,227 in tax year 2025, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $5,011.
Who runs Audacious Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul J Orfalea (Chair/Treasurer) and Catherine Brozowski (President/Secretary).
What does Audacious Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and environment and conservation.