Irvine Business Support Nonprofit Grants Program - Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce

Up to $10,000 to Deliver Programs That Support Irvine Businesses

Chambers Apply. Businesses Benefit. Economy Grows.

The Greater Irvine Chamber, funded by the City of Irvine, is awarding grants to chambers of commerce, business associations, and eligible nonprofit business-support organizations that provide services benefiting Irvine businesses.

This program funds trusted business organizations to deliver training, resources, and direct support at no cost to Irvine businesses and residents.

Program Evaluation Rubric

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The Grants support programs that provide direct services to Irvine businesses in one or more of the following areas:

Business Growth & Innovation
Workforce Development
Inclusive Economic Opportunity
Tourism & Destination Promotion
Business Attraction & Retention

Eligible applicants who should apply include:

(Organizations must be formed prior to Jan. 1, 2026)

Chambers of commerce

Business associations

501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations that support businesses

Funding may be used for

Employee training, workshops, and professional development programs

Direct financial or technical assistance to Irvine small businesses

Business assistance programs and support services

Entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives

Programs focused on starting or growing a business

Priority will be given to organizations that:

Are based in Irvine and advance local economic vitality

Demonstrate measurable impact supporting businesses and workforce development

Serve small or underrepresented business communities

Address unmet business needs and avoid duplicating existing public programs

Irvine Business Support Nonprofit Grants Application

Applications Open: February 16, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
Awards Announced & Disbursed: May 2026

Section 1 – Organizational Eligibility & Information

1.1 Organizational Status

Legal Organization Name *

Fiscal Project Name (if applicable)

Nonprofit Classification (check one) *501(c)(6)501(c)(3)Other nonprofit (describe):

EIN (Tax ID) *

Organization Date Established *

Month

Day

Year

Fiscal Project date established (if applicable)

Month

Day

Year

1.2 Location and Mission

Primary Office Address (include Irvine address if applicable) *

Apartment, suite, etc

City *

State/Province *

ZIP / Postal Code *

Geographic Service Area (describe, and indicate how Irvine is served) *0 / 200

Mission Statement *0 / 200

1.3 Required Attachments

Please upload with your application

Proof of nonprofit status (IRS determination letter) *

Most recent financial statements and latest 990 (or 990-N/990-EZ, as applicable) *

List of Board of Directors with affiliations (Include list of Fiscal Project Advisory Committee, if applicable) *

Certificate of Good Standing or equivalent confirmation from Secretary of State (website screenshot acceptable) *

Section 2 – Problem Statement & Program Alignment

2.1 Problem Statement

Describe the specific Irvine business or workforce challenge your project addresses and the service gap or unmet need it will fill. *0 / 1000

2.2 Alignment with Program Priorities

Indicate which category(ies) your project aligns with (check all that apply) *Business Growth & InnovationWorkforce DevelopmentInclusive Economic OpportunityTourism & Destination PromotionBusiness Attraction & Retention

Explain how your project advances the selected category(ies) and supports the City of Irvine’s economic development goals. *0 / 1000

Section 3 – Project Design, Goals, Activities & Outcomes

3.1 Goals and Objectives

List 2–3 specific, measurable goals for the project (SMART where possible – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound).

Goal 1 *0 / 200

Goal 2 *0 / 200

Goal 3 *0 / 200

3.2 Project Activities and Deliverables

Describe the major activities you will carry out and the concrete deliverables that will result. *0 / 1000

3.3 Expected Outcomes and Measurement

What specific outcomes do you expect for Irvine-based businesses? *0 / 1000

How will you measure and track these outcomes (metrics, data sources, tools)? *0 / 1000

Section 4 – Target Population & Inclusive Economic Impact

4.1 Target Businesses and Community

Describe the businesses and groups you will serve (industry, size, demographics) and estimate how many Irvine-based businesses will be reached. *0 / 200

Section 5 – Organizational Capacity, Track Record & Partnerships

5.1 Organizational Experience

Describe your organization’s experience supporting Irvine businesses or advancing economic development, including examples of relevant programs and results over the last 3 years. *0 / 1000

5.2 Staffing and Expertise

List the key staff who will implement the project, their roles, and relevant qualifications. *0 / 1000

5.3 Partnerships and Collaborations

Identify key partners (if any) and describe how they will contribute to the project. *0 / 1000

Section 6 – Project Timeline & Implementation Plan

Provide a timeline for project implementation (e.g., May 2026 – June 2027). Activities need not occur every month or every quarter. Include this information for each period in which activities will occur:

Month/Period *

Key Activities *

Key Deliverables/Outputs *

Section 7 – Budget & Financial Plan

7.1 Project Budget

Upload budget documents *

Program Staff Time & Benefits

Professional Development/Training

Program Supplies & Materials

Outreach & Communication

Direct Business Assistance

Other (specify)

TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET *

USD

GRANT REQUEST *

USD

7.2 Matching Funds / Co-Investment (if any)

Describe any matching funds, in-kind contributions, or other committed resources. *0 / 1000

Section 8 – Sustainability & Long-Term Impact

Explain how the work or benefits of this project will continue after the grant period and/or how it will provide lasting value to Irvine’s business community. *0 / 200

Section 9 – Compliance & Authorization

9.1 Program Compliance Confirmations (check all):

9.2 Authorized Signatory

Disclaimer

By checking the box below and submitting this application, the applicant organization and the individual completing this form, on its behalf, acknowledge and agree to the following:

The individual submitting this application is duly authorized to act on behalf of the applicant organization for purposes of this grant application and any resulting grant agreement.
All statements, representations, and information provided in this application and in any supporting documentation are true, accurate, and complete to the best of the signer’s knowledge and belief.
The applicant organization understands that any false, misleading, or materially incomplete information may result in denial of this application, termination of any grant award, and/or a requirement to return funds already disbursed.
The applicant organization agrees that, if selected for funding, it will comply with all terms and conditions of the grant program, any grant agreement issued by the Greater Irvine Chamber, and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
The applicant organization understands that submission of this application does not guarantee funding and that any award is contingent upon selection by the Selection Committee, as well as the availability of funds.
The applicant organization agrees that the Greater Irvine Chamber and the City of Irvine may verify any information provided in this application, including contacting references, partners, or other third parties as needed to evaluate this request.
The applicant organization consents to the use of anonymized or aggregated information about the funded project (if awarded) for reporting, evaluation, and promotional purposes, as permitted by law and program guidelines.
The applicant organization acknowledges that it has reviewed and understands the program guidelines and that it is responsible for meeting all applicable requirements and deadlines associated with this grant opportunity.

Name *

Title *

Organization *

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