The Yolo Community Foundation (YCF) is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural grant cycle for the Wide Wide World Fund, a legacy fund established by Margaret (Maggie) Burns and Roy Bellhorn to expand educational and cultural opportunities for students in Winters schools.
Originally established in the early 2000s, the Wide Wide World Fund has supported scholarships, student enrichment projects, and school-based initiatives in Winters. Over the years, it has distributed thousands of dollars to enhance music programs, job readiness efforts, and second-year scholarship support for students pursuing post-secondary education and career pathways.
Prior to their passing in 2024, Maggie and Roy ensured that their commitment to the Winters community would continue after their lifetimes through dedicated funding. The Wide Wide World Fund will distribute approximately $55,000 annually over the next 13 years, supporting programs that broaden students’ horizons beyond the boundaries of their local community.
The fund’s purpose is clear: to promote educational and cultural enrichment for students in Winters schools that will open a wider world to them.
The Wide Wide World Fund will consider proposals in two categories:
- Programmatic Applications – Grants up to $20,000 to support specific programs or projects that directly benefit students in Winters schools. Organizations do not need to be based in Winters, but funded projects must serve Winters students.
- Capacity Building Applications – Grants up to $55,000 to strengthen Winters-based organizations that focus specifically on educational and cultural enrichment for Winters students.
For transformational initiatives, the committee may consider proposals above standard funding caps.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or have a qualified fiscal sponsor.
- Demonstrate clear alignment with the fund’s focus on educational and cultural enrichment.
- Ensure funded projects are delivered or completed by July 2027.
Organizations may submit more than one application; however, only one grant per organization will be awarded per cycle.
The 2026 grant cycle will follow a two-step application process:
- Letter of Intent (LOI) Opens: February 19
- LOI Deadline: March 19
- Full Applications (by invitation only): April 10 – May 1
- Grantees Notified: By the end of May 2026
- Grant Disbursement: After July 1, 2026
The grantmaking committee includes local leadership representation to ensure funding decisions reflect the needs of Winters students and schools.
For more information about the Wide Wide World Fund Grant and Yolo Community Foundation, a partner of Sacramento Region Community Foundation, visit www.yolocf.org or email Info@YoloCF.Org
About the Yolo Community Foundation
The Yolo Community Foundation inspires and supports giving and provides philanthropic leadership in Yolo County. The organization offers donor advised funds and other philanthropic vehicles, donates to local nonprofits, fosters volunteerism, and supports local giving. YCF currently has more than 100 philanthropic funds valued at over $17 million and is a partner of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Visit www.yolocf.org to learn more.
