OCCTAC Selected as Recipient of Samueli Foundation’s Inaugural Breakaway Fund Grant

Santa Ana, CA — September 22, 2025 — The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is honored to be named one of 138 nonprofit organizations receiving funding from the Samueli Foundation’s groundbreaking Breakaway Fund, a $11 million initiative supporting organizations serving Orange County.

Launched in May with an initial $5 million budget, the Breakaway Fund was expanded to over $11 million in response to urgent community needs and the exceptional quality of applications.

Over 1,000 applications were submitted to the Breakaway Fund, collectively requesting $83 million in support. Of the 138 organizations funded, 77%—including OCCTAC—are first-time recipients of Samueli Foundation funding. The Foundation awarded $100,000 to help OCCTAC bring its vision to life and champion its efforts to uplift others.

“We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Samueli Foundation in this way,” said Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director of OCCTAC. “This grant allows us to take a meaningful step toward building a sustainable future for our organization while providing transformative arts, education, and therapeutic services to the families who need them most.”

“The need is now. The urgency is now,” said Lindsey Spindle, president of Samueli Family Philanthropies. “Breakaways in hockey are the most exciting moments of the game, and we hope this initiative creates that same sense of excitement and momentum for Orange County nonprofits.”

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About OCCTAC: Founded in 2000, the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is the county’s leading provider of innovative arts, education, and therapy programs for low-income and special-needs families. Serving more than 6,000 children, 500 youth, and 200 adults annually, OCCTAC helps unlock potential, nurture creativity, and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.