Invested in the Promise of Sonoma County
Our Strategic Plan
Community Foundation Sonoma County’s strategic plan is rooted in our shared commitment to build a place where everyone feels they belong, has a voice, and can help create a thriving community.
What We Accomplish Together
Community Foundation Sonoma County is the hub of philanthropy in Sonoma County. We utilize our local knowledge, leveraged resources, and over 40 years of experience serving Sonoma County, to benefit all who live here.
42
Active Years
$300m
in Total Grants
$202m
Total Assets
Community Impact
Our grant programs seek to meet Sonoma County’s most pressing needs, to make our community a place where everyone can thrive.
Arts Education
Environmental Education Pathways Program
Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs
Sonoma County Resilience Fund
Ways to Give
Community Foundation Sonoma County can help you develop a personalized approach to charitable giving.
Open a Fund
Build your Legacy
Support a Program
Together, we’ve granted over $300m back into our community since 1983
1983
1983
CFSC is formed by a group of civic-minded citizens to address community needs and to establish an endowment program that would encourage philanthropy and enhance lives in Sonoma County. Their first grant is to the Santa Rosa Symphony.
1987
1987
The Parent Education Project, CFSC’s first major project, is launched, bringing parent education classes to workplaces, schools, and churches across Sonoma County.
1995
1995
Charles “Chops” DeMeo, a local lawyer and banker, grants CFSC $16 million dollars that he saved in secret to put towards making a club for local teens in Santa Rosa. Chop’s Teen Club opens its doors in 2001 and continues to make a difference today.
2003 & 2006
2003 & 2006
In 2003, the Healdsburg Area Affiliate Fund (now Healdsburg Forever), and later, in 2006, the Sonoma Valley Fund (which later became Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund), got their start as CFSC’s first regional affiliates.
2017
2017
CFSC establishes the Resilience Fund in response to the devastating Tubbs Fire, designed to address long-term disaster recovery in Sonoma County. Since 2017, the Resilience Fund has granted nearly $20 million dollars towards healing, helping, and housing.
2023
2023
A banner year, CFSC reaches $300 million dollars granted out to our community in our 40 years of service. After nearly a decade on our Board of Directors and committees, Óscar Chávez becomes CFSC’s first person of color to serve as President & CEO.
1983
1983
CFSC is formed by a group of civic-minded citizens to address community needs and to establish an endowment program that would encourage philanthropy and enhance lives in Sonoma County. Their first grant is to the Santa Rosa Symphony.
1987
1987
The Parent Education Project, CFSC’s first major project, is launched, bringing parent education classes to workplaces, schools, and churches across Sonoma County.
1995
1995
Charles “Chops” DeMeo, a local lawyer and banker, grants CFSC $16 million dollars that he saved in secret to put towards making a club for local teens in Santa Rosa. Chop’s Teen Club opens its doors in 2001 and continues to make a difference today.
2003 & 2006
2003 & 2006
In 2003, the Healdsburg Area Affiliate Fund (now Healdsburg Forever), and later, in 2006, the Sonoma Valley Fund (which later became Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund), got their start as CFSC’s first regional affiliates.
2017
2017
CFSC establishes the Resilience Fund in response to the devastating Tubbs Fire, designed to address long-term disaster recovery in Sonoma County. Since 2017, the Resilience Fund has granted nearly $20 million dollars towards healing, helping, and housing.
2023
2023
A banner year, CFSC reaches $300 million dollars granted out to our community in our 40 years of service. After nearly a decade on our Board of Directors and committees, Óscar Chávez becomes CFSC’s first person of color to serve as President & CEO.
Blog
We’re Hiring: Community Partnerships Lead
At CFSC, our team is made up of people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for investing in the promise of Sonoma County. We are deliberate, intentional, and purposeful about the kind of culturally diverse team we are building....
We’re Hiring: Lead Technologist
Lynx Employer Resources is proud to support Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) in its search for a Lead Technologist! At CFSC, our team is made up of people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for investing in the promise...
Welcoming New Board Members and Honoring Outgoing Leaders
Leaders Serving Our Community At Community Foundation Sonoma County, our board of directors plays a vital role in shaping our vision, strategy, and impact. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated leaders who give their time, expertise, and passion to guide our...