Neighborhood Grant Program Guidelines
Who May Apply
Any community-based group in Sonoma County is eligible to apply. You do not need to have experience writing grant proposals. To apply, the goup must include at least six unrelated volunteers. Priority is given to applications from underserved and/or low income areas of the county that meet the following criteria:
1. Projects must be initiated and implemented in the community where the group lives.
2. The following types of neighborhood or community-based groups are encouraged to apply:
- groups of neighbors living in an apartment complex, mobile home park, or labor camp
- groups working on issues related to health or safety in the neighborhood
- groups of farm workers, their families, or their communities
- nonprofit organizations that serve neighborhoods and promote community improvement
- in general, any neighborhood group interested in working on a project or activity that will directly benefit their community
3. Projects will be considered for funding if they demonstrate some of the following characteristics:
- bringing local resident together to work on community issues and build linkages among people including: young children, teens, parents, elders, businesses and/or public officials
- providing neighbors an opportunity to take a more active role in and responsibility for what happens in their communities
- fostering confidence and trust among diverse groups
4. Grants will not be made to:
- personally benefit an individual or to support public and government agencies
- activities that are political in nature, such as supporting/opposing candidates for elected office or ballot initiatives
- for-profit organizations or businesses
- nonprofit organizations that do not directly work with neighborhood residents
- projects that have already taken place or to pay expenses already incurred
- groups not able to open a checking account under the group’s name
- groups not able to secure the fiscal sponsorship of a charitable organization
Grant Amounts and Grant Reports
Neighborhood grants will be awarded in amounts from $500 to $2,000
Groups that receive a grant will be required to submit a short written report narrative that describes:
- what was done with the grant funds;
- the process of involving the neighborhood in planning and decision-making; and,
- what was achieved as a result of the grant.
In addition to the narrative report, a financial report that includes:
- a line-item summary of expenses paid by grant funds and
- copies of documentation, such as receipts or invoices for purchases, fees or bills paid to others
How to Apply
- Applications do not have to be typed or filled out by computer. All legible hand written or typed applications will be accepted for consideration.
- Applications filled out by hand should be printed clearly using a pen and mailed or hand-delivered to the Community Foundation at 250 D Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404-4773 (upstairs, above the Barnes & Nobel Bookstore).
- Applications sent as email attachments and should be emailed to Karin Demarest.
- If you have questions about submitting an application, please call Karin Demrest at 303.9621.
- Download Application now
When to Apply and What to Expect
Applications are accepted at any time. We will acknowledge all applications received either by email or by letter to the contact person named in the application.
When we review applications, we will be in touch with your main contact person so we can better understand what is being proposed and so we can learn more about your organization or neighborhood. Such contact can range from a simple phone call to a face to face visit, depending on the situation. We may not need to contact every group that requests funding.
Once we have made a decision, we will notify the contact person in writing with further information.
Please contact Karin Demarest at 707.303.9621.
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