Frequently Asked Questions -- FAQs

Founded in 1983 by a group of leading Sonoma County citizens who wanted to ensure a permanent source of funds for local charitable organizations, Community Foundation Sonoma County is one of more than 700 community foundations in the nation and part of an exciting philanthropic movement begun in 1914.

Community foundations play a unique role in their communities. As public charities, they offer their donors maximum tax advantages. Although local customs, economic conditions, issues and traditions greatly influence community foundations, all share common traits: a mission to enrich the quality of life in the community they serve; a focus on developing a permanent charitable endowment to benefit their community's changing needs; an independent, local governing body that is knowledgeable about, and representative of the community; a range of philanthropic services for donors with varied charitable interests and ways of giving; and accountability to the public.

Community Foundation Sonoma County, with more than 400 different funds established by individual donors, community groups and nonprofit organizations, has reinvested more than $81.5 million in grants to the community, with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of Sonoma County.

Individuals or organizations interested in starting a scholarship fund or transferring an existing fund to the Community Foundation may contact Kate Ecker, Vice President of Development at 707-579-4073, ext. 12.

In 2007, the Community Foundation Scholarship Program will offer financial assistance to Sonoma County residents, unless otherwise indicated, pursuing full time studies at an accredited college, university or vocational college (unless otherwise noted) through our twenty-eight separate scholarship funds. The scholarship funds have been established by generous donors, including individuals, families and organizations from our community.

The scholarship program matches eligible applicants to these funds, while providing a central application process to simplify access for students seeking financial aid.

Scholarship recipients are selected on a competitive basis, considering academic and non-academic factors and demonstrated financial need. Some of the funds target students from specific areas of interest to the donor, including high school attended, cultural background and academic/career focus.

Scholarship awards range from $500 to $10,000. Scholarships awarded in 2006 totaled over $266,950.

No, there is no cost to apply. Scholarships from legitimate sources should not require a fee to apply for or to receive a scholarship award

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the individual, business, or organization that created the scholarship. The criteria and requirements are listed under each scholarship description.

All Community Foundation Scholarships require that applicants:

• be residents of Sonoma County or graduates of a Sonoma County high school (unless otherwise noted)
• attend an accredited two-year-college, four-year university or licensed trade/vocational school in the United States
• be a full-time student (unless otherwise noted)
• have a measure of academic and civic achievement

NOTE: Applicants who are current employees, volunteers, or members of Community Foundation Sonoma County's Board of Directors, or who are related to employees, volunteers or board members are not eligible to apply. In addition, individuals who are related to scholarship fund representatives are ineligible to apply for that particular scholarship. Please contact Dana Johnson, Grants Manager at (707) 579-4073, x 18 for more information.

A Sonoma County resident is defined as someone who has lived in Sonoma County for one full year and has a permanent Sonoma County address. Students who are attending a college or university outside of Sonoma County are eligible to apply for a scholarship from the Community Foundation so long as their family permanently resides in Sonoma County and claims them on their taxes.

What types of scholarships are offered by the Community Foundation?

• Graduating high school seniors
• Continuing college students
• Individuals attending a trade/vocational school
• Adults who are returning to school.

People often think of scholarships as being based on either merit or athletic ability; however, this is not always the case. Many of the Community Foundation's scholarships are based on financial need, attending a particular school or pursuing a specific course of study.

Yes, so long as you meet the criteria for each scholarship for which you are applying. Carefully review the criteria and check the appropriate box for each scholarship for which you would like to be considered.

• Scholarship Check List

Awards for each scholarship vary depending upon the criteria, number of students selected, student's financial need, and other circumstances. Scholarships range from $500 to $10,000, with the average award being $1,000.

No. All scholarship checks are made payable to your school and are sent directly to your school.s financial aid or scholarship office. There are no exceptions to this rule. If your scholarship award is $1,000 or more, it is divided into two equal payments . one for the fall semester and the other for the spring semester. Checks are paid upon receipt of proof of registration as a full-time student (unless otherwise noted) and/or official transcripts.

For degree-seeking students using the scholarship for tuition, fees, books, and school required supplies, the scholarship is not taxable. However, if the scholarship is used for room, board, travel, or miscellaneous expenses, it is generally taxable to the student. The Community Foundations recommends you and your parents consult a tax expert or your school.s financial aid office for advice.

Yes, you will be notified after the selection committee makes their decisions -- any time between early May and mid-June.