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We are fiercely devoted to the idea that childhood experience is the foundation of adult success. Building this solid foundation for future success requires a whole-child approach balancing both cognitive and non-cognitive skill development. We also believe that all children, no matter their socioeconomic background, should have access to rich programming that supports their holistic development. With this in mind, we partner with nonprofits that develop meaningful experiential learning programming so every child can build a foundation for future success.
Our foundation intentionally chooses to keep our staffing levels low with the goal of maximizing our grantmaking resources. This means all granting is done by invitation only, reducing the burden on nonprofits with their application. We embody Trust Based Philanthropy practices, acting in deep partnership with our partners. Grants are executed with simple applications and minimal reporting.
The Audacious Foundation is funded by Paul and Jane Wood Orfalea. We support nonprofits that offer experiential, non-academic programs, supporting nature-based learning, healthy habits, and essential life skills.
The foundation’s work is focused on Santa Barbara County. We welcome other funders to invest alongside us. Please consider contributing to our vetted nonprofits.
Catherine Brozowski is Executive Director. She has 25 years of philanthropic experience at family foundations, corporate foundations, and a community foundation. Prior to the Audacious Foundation she served as Vice President of the Orfalea Foundation, Vice President of Programs at the Santa Barbara Foundation and Associate Vice President/ Corporate Giving Manager at Washington Mutual. catherine@audaciousfoundation.org
Adrianna Foss is Early Childhood Education Retreat Director. Adrianna enjoyed a 20-year career as a Human Resources executive with Kinko’s, Inc. before transitioning to work involving early childhood education (ECE). For over 10 years, she was the ECE Director for the Orfalea Foundation, and then owned and led her own Reggio-inspired, outdoor classroom at Cathedral Oaks Preschool. adrianna@audaciousfoundation.org
Giving to a partner program is the best way to make a difference in the life of a child and continue the work of the Audacious Foundation. Explore our programs to find a cause you’re passionate about.
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