The Applied Materials Foundation

The Applied Materials Foundation is a US private foundation based in Santa Clara, CA.

Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2024, TY2023, TY2022) and web pages about the foundation (appliedmaterials.com), with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.

Priority Areas

The Applied Materials Foundation invests in nonprofit organisations located near company facilities and aligned with its community impact priorities. Its U.S. funding guidelines centre on thriving communities that are educated, creative, resilient and sustainable, and prioritise results-focused, collaborative programmes. Education work includes STEM programming, teacher development and evidence-based points along the K–12 pathway. Creative Communities funding supports artistic expression and shared arts experiences, with access for young people, particularly in underserved neighbourhoods. Resilient Communities work focuses on family food security and capacity building for hunger organisations; Sustainable Communities funding supports environmental education for young people and practical environmental stewardship.

Themes

• Education
• Arts and culture
• Food security
• Environmental stewardship

Geographic Focus

Santa Clara County; Austin; Gloucester; Kalispell; Malta; Albany; Phoenix; Chandler; Portland; Hillsboro. (as reported in other published sources)

What They Don't Fund

• Capital campaigns, including brick-and-mortar projects, or physical structures (as reported in other published sources)
• Research (as reported in other published sources)
• Sporting events for school or civic teams (as reported in other published sources)
• Robotics clubs associated with specific schools (as reported in other published sources)
• Individuals, fraternities, commencements, PTAs, or alumni groups (as reported in other published sources)
• Religious or political organizations (as reported in other published sources)
• Health-related programs or sponsorships, including health education programs (as reported in other published sources)
• Fundraisers such as walk-a-thons, runs, or teams in training (as reported in other published sources)
• Organizations that fall outside our grant priorities or geographic focus areas (as reported in other published sources)

Nonprofits submit an online grant application through the grants management system.

Deadlines:

• Sustainable Communities and Creative Communities proposals: January 15.
• Educated Communities proposals: February 15.
• Resilient Communities proposals: March 15.

• Repeat giving: In its TY2024 filing, 78% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2022 or TY2023 filing.
• Grant size: Across its TY2022, TY2023 and TY2024 filings, half of its 59 grants to organisations were about $220,000 or less.

What the foundation says:

• The Foundation prioritises programmes that are results-focused and collaborative. (as reported in other published sources)
• It values community-driven solutions, measurable impact, strong leadership and alignment with its priorities. (as reported in other published sources)
• For education proposals, it prefers alignment with local school district priorities and a letter of recommendation connecting the programme to those priorities. (as reported in other published sources)
• Funded nonprofits must submit an impact report within one year, including programme descriptions and numeric results. (as reported in other published sources)