Funding Opportunities
The mission of the foundation is to give to Southern California-based, non-profit organizations dedicated to the betterment of others. A core value of our mission is to nurture those organizations who create loving, supportive communities and model “pay-it-forward” behavior, as this is how we honor Leo’s legacy.
Inspire Giving Grant Applications Are Now Open February 6,2026- April 6, 2026 5:00pm
The Foundation will award small grants of up to $10,000 to organizations whose work strengthens loving, supportive communities and encourages those who receive help to help others in return.
Priority areas include:
Arts & Humanities
Health & Human Services
Education
Eligibility
Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operational for at least one year
Based in Southern California
Annual operating budget between $50,000 and $1,000,000
Projects must demonstrate how impact extends beyond direct services
No grants to individuals, endowment funds, or capital campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions
Grants are awarded up to 10,000.
Organizations may reapply after 12 months if they have completed all grant reporting requirements
The next grant cycle open February 1. Link to the application will be available through our website.
We support nonprofit organizations that align with Dr. Leo Buscaglia’s philosophy of love and human connection. This includes programs focused on:
Youth enrichment and education
Emotional wellness and mental health
Access to the arts
Food and housing insecurity
Social-emotional learning
Kindness- and compassion-centered outreach
Nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code and serve communities in Southern California are eligible to apply. We prioritize small to mid-sized organizations with annual budgets under 1 million.
Please email admin@leobuscaglia.org for any questions about the grant process.
Email Admin@leobuscaglia.org for any questions.
Our Focus Areas
What We Fund
Dr. Leo Buscaglia taught us that love is learned and lived. In his spirit, we fund nonprofit organizations across California that support youth enrichment, education, emotional wellness, arts access, food security, and housing advocacy uplifting individuals and communities through programs rooted in compassion, connection, and care.