Supporting Organizations
A Supporting Organization is a separate charity that, like a private foundation, is typically funded by one family. Unlike a private foundation, it is not subject to rigorous operating restrictions and excise taxes. We partner with a number of supporting organizations, each with its own unique philanthropic goals and approach, which operate under the Community Foundation’s charitable umbrella. Each has its own board, investment policies, grant priorities and charitable status. The organizations’ grantmaking and activities fulfill and support our charitable mission and purpose. We facilitate the start-up, manage investments and administer grants and financial reporting.
Such restrictions are designed to substitute for the public oversight of public charities (such as community foundations). A supporting organization benefits from the Community Foundation’s public oversight while maintaining a private foundation status.
A majority of the supporting organization’s board is appointed by the Community Foundation. We work with you to find public directors who are compatible with, and often known by you. Your organization may determine and maintain its own investment management.
Advantages of Supporting Organizations
- Offers favorable income tax deductions to those for private foundations
- Eliminates the administrative obligations of a private foundation
- Allows your organization to focus on its mission
- Gains access to our professional guidance for your grantmaking process
- Supports multi-generational philanthropy and engagement
Our Supporting Organizations
DeMeo Teen Club, Inc
In 1995, former Santa Rosa Mayor, Charles “Chop” DeMeo chose to leave his $16 million estate for the benefit of Sonoma County teens and homeless mothers. He hoped to create a bridge to the future. His legacy, The DeMeo Teen Club “Chops”is a perfect example of creating something of lasting value that spans generations.Oliver Ranch Foundation
In May 2010, the Community Foundation announced it's newest supporting organization-- the Oliver Ranch Foundation. Steve and Nancy Oliver, arts patrons and founders of the Oliver Ranch, worked with the Community Foundation in order to assure that their vision for the world-renowned sculpture ranch continues in perpetuity.The 100 acre Geyserville ranch is known for its spectacular collection of commissioned, large-scale, outdoor sculpture.Pepperwood Foundation
Pepperwood Preserve, a 3,000 plus-acre property of stunning landscape and rich biodiversity in Sonoma County, was established to protect wild land and foster natural history education, environmental research and preservation. Educational programs for all age groups offer workshops and field trips on natural history, botany, zoology, natural resource management, anthropology and astronomy.Sonoma Paradiso Foundation
The Sonoma Paradiso Foundation brings together the nation's top business leaders, philanthropists, wine enthusiasts and celebrities to raise charitable funds for children in need in our community. The Sonoma Paradiso Wine Auction is committed to taking a lead role to ensure the health, education, welfare and quality of life to the children in Sonoma County and beyond.
Please contact J Mullineaux at 707.303.9620
“There’s never enough money to solve all the current pressing community needs,” says Jeannie Schulz, founding board member who helped design the blueprint of the Community Foundation. “In the early days, the board focused on creating an unrestricted endowment; we did everything we could to encourage a wide donor base.” More…
In 1995 when former Santa Rosa Mayor, Charles "Chop" DeMeo chose to leave his $16 million estate for the benefit of Sonoma County teens and homeless mothers, he knew he would be creating a bridge to the future. His legacy, the DeMeo Teen Club, a supporting organization of the Community Foundation, is a perfect example of creating something lasting value that spans generations