The Pacific Life Foundation provides grants to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving communities in Orange County, CA; Omaha, NE; and Lynchburg, VA. Funding supports programs in education, health and human services, civic and economic development, arts and culture, and ocean health. Program grants typically range up to $15,000, while capital grants range from $25,000 to $100,000.

Program Overview 

The Pacific Life Foundation’s mission with our grants program is: 

• To strategically support issue areas that align with the Foundation's interests and serve the communities where a concentration of Pacific Life employees work and live 

• To support programs that recognize and encourage positive change in our local communities and populations served 

• To respond to the greatest needs of our communities by partnering with organizations that can best identify opportunities or challenges, bringing forward proven strategies or finding innovative ways to have a meaningful impact on those most in need 

Online grant applications are accepted from nonprofits seeking funds for programs or capital projects in the areas of arts and culture, civic, community & economic development, education, health and human services, and the environment. Marine Mammal research grants are not part of this grant process.

Types and Ranges of Funding - Program Grants and Capital Grants

Program grants range up to $15,000 for a one-year period of funding and are given to support programs, operating expenses, or collaborative programs with other nonprofits. If your organization would like to be considered for multi-year funding, you will have an opportunity to explain why your program should be considered for funding for up to a three-year period. 

Capital grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 and are given to a nonprofit with an organized campaign already underway to raise substantial funds; for example, to finance a building or for major renovation. More than 50 percent of the campaign goal (excluding pledges of in-kind donations, anonymous gifts, and loans) must be pledged prior to consideration by the Foundation.

The Pacific Life Foundation does not accept applications from and/or for: 

• Organizations with total revenue of under $1 million, as reported on line 12 of the latest IRS Tax Form 990 

• Programs/projects with budgets of less than $100,000 

• New organizations established or operating for only three years or less 

• Nonprofits with less than five board members

• Marine mammal research funding is provided on an invitation-only basis