| Mission. The Mission of Community Foundation Sonoma County is to strengthen our local communities through effective philanthropy and civic engagement. |
| Description. Founded in 1983, the Community Foundation is he trusted advisor to individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses who have created charitable funds to make a difference in the lives of others through thoughtful and caring philanthropy. It helps donors make donations during their lifetime or as part of their estate plans. Independent and nonsectarian, it serves the entire community by receiving contributions and legacy gifts, by managing funds and by distributing grants for charitable purposes. As a public charity, the Community Foundation offers tax advantages not available through private foundations. |
| Grantmaking. Grants from Community Foundation donors support a diversity of needs and opportunities through nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County and beyond. Grants that honor the charitable intent of the donor comprise 90% of our grantmaking, with Community Foundation Discretionary grants comprising 10%. In 2006, $14.5 million in grants were awarded. |
| Impact. Discretionary grants are made for any nonprofit purpose, including these broadly-defined fields of interest: |
- Arts/Culture
- Education
- Environment
- Health/Human Services
- Ending family Homelessness
- Basic Human Needs
|
| Grants range from small, informal programs to large, multi-year initiatives. Since inception, the Community Foundation and its donors have awarded $82 million in grants. |
| Assets. Our current assets of $133 million are held in 346 charitable funds,including 2 supporting organizations. In fiscal year 2006, the Community Foundation received $19 million in gifts, including 34 new funds, 7 of which were endowment funds. Endowment funds (43%of assets) are permanently invested and 4%of the fund payout is used to make grants. These funds create a sustainable flow of grant dollars in perpetuity. Through prudent investing, both the endowment and therefore the amount generated for grant making increase over time. |
Investment Performance.
Endowment returns since 1997 (as of 12/31/06) |
| 1 Year |
3 Year |
5 Year |
10 Year |
| 12.4 % |
9.6% |
7.8% |
9.3% |
| (benchmark return: 9%) |
|
| Governance. A Board of Directors,made up of a cross section of Sonoma County's business, civic and philanthropic leaders, provides vision and stewardship for the Community Foundation. The Board Chair is Albert Handelman; Immediate Past Chair is Herb Dwight; President/CEO is Kay Marquet. |
