Decorative Arts Society (DARTS) is a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit membership group committed to improving the lives of women and children in Orange County. Through their annual Grants giving program, DARTS invests in organizations and programs that help and empower women and their families to achieve their potential as responsible contributing members of our community.

Since its inception, Decorative Arts Society has distributed close to $4 million dollars in Grants and Gifts to Orange County non-profit organizations. Click here for a list of the 2023-2024 DARTS Grant Recipients. 

Each year proposals are received from nonprofit organizations seeking funds for programs that promote our mission. The organizations must be a non-profit organization, with an emphasis on helping women, children and families. They must also serve local communities in Orange County. Funds are available through this annual grant application process. Organizations may apply for funds for a specific project or a general grant, but definitive goals and anticipated outcomes are essential.

Grant proposals are evaluated on multiple parameters, including:

  • Definition of specific purpose
  • Relevance to our core mission
  • Thoroughness of operational planning
  • Clarity of anticipated outcomes
  • Fiscal transparency
  • Governance
  • Leadership
  • Impact

Standard Grants

DARTS Standard Grants generally range from $5,000 to $25,000. Standard Grants are intended to fund programs, projects or services to the community. The proposed use of the Standard Grant must have definitive goals and be impactful to the target group. Please review the evaluation parameters listed above. Our efforts are focused on, but not limited to, programs benefitting women and children. DARTS grants are not intended for baseline operating budgets, capital campaigns or individuals.

Grants are approved and funded annually. Recipients can be funded up to 3 consecutive years, then must take a year cycle break before applying again.

One Time Grants

Conditioned upon available funds, Decorative Arts Society may award one or more “One Time Grants” as part of our 2024-2025 grants cycle.  Such grants are made possible by generous donations from our members and are in addition to our regular awards.  They are intended to help meet material, one-time needs of the non-profit applicant such as an equipment purchase or capital improvement. For example, recent awards have included funding for a delivery van, playground equipment and storage cabinetry.  They are not intended for staffing, ongoing expenses, or overhead costs. One Time Grants may be funded up to $50,000.

Application Process

IMPORTANT:
Non-profit organizations which fall within our grant guidelines may apply for either or both grants.  If applying for both grants(Standard Grant and One Time Grant), please complete an application for each grant separately (One application for the Standard Grant and a separate application for the One Time Grant).

Grant applications are available on-line beginning December 1 on our website (decorativeartssociety.net). Completed applications are due no later than February 1, 2024, at which time the application window closes. Late or incomplete applications regretfully cannot be accepted.

Proposals must follow our application format precisely as presented. Please review your application carefully to ensure it is complete. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Unfortunately, funding is limited, and we regret being unable to fund all of the many worthy proposals we receive.

Please provide two hard copies of the completed application and accompanying documents no later than  February 1, 2024.

Send applications to:
DARTS Grant Applications
PO Box 1414
Newport Beach, CA 92665

Evaluation Process

The evaluation is a two-step process. A preliminary screening is used to identify proposals to be selected for further study and site visitation. Applications will include your organization’s designated contact for questions or additional information. Recipients of approved grants will be announced in early May.

Grant Funding and Follow Up

After grant approval announcements in early May, grant funds will be distributed at a luncheon in June.

It is anticipated that recipient agencies will carefully monitor the progress of the funded project, and be prepared to provide a fiscal and operational update by December 15.

Funded agencies may be asked to make a brief presentation to members at one of the lectures in our series in order to help our donors understand the impact of these grants.

Questions regarding the DARTS grant program should be directed to:

Edie Denning
DARTS Grants Chair
eadenning@cox.net
949-230-9675