Sonoma Valley Fund Grants are due May 5, 2008

NEW Ellman Fund Grants information now available on this website.

Revised Grant application materials for 2008 are now available on this website. Click HERE to access this material.

The goal of the Sonoma Valley Fund grant programs is to support the work of a broad spectrum of nonprofits and unincorporated groups serving the needs of all communities within the Sonoma Valley (Kenwood to Schellville).

The Sonoma Valley Fund will provide two types of grants, with awards of up to $5,000, to strengthen charitable groups and organizations that are already contributing to the community. In addition, the new Ellman Fund grants will consider grants up to $25,000.

Branch Out Grants include events, activities and programs that build interconnections among residents in the Sonoma Valley area; that promote community or celebrate the history and historical contributions of cultural groups living in the area; or that otherwise develop a spirit and sense of belonging in the community;
Strong Roots Grants for nonprofit and charitable groups include projects to secure technical assistance for training boards and staff, developing administrative infrastructures to stabilize or strengthen operations, planning for a sustainable future, assessing issues of strategic importance and evaluating the organization's contributions to the community.
Ellman Fund Grants for nonprofit and charitable groups include programs and projects for historic preservation, environment, environmental eduation, or a combination of these areas that may address education, preservation, restoration, advocacy, capital improvement, nonprofit or publicly-owned properties.

Applicant organizations may make only one grant request per year and grants awarded will be for a one year period.

ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS

Incorporated charitable organizations having received a 501(c)3 from the IRS, unincorporated charitable groups sponsored by a 501(c)3 and citizen groups organized for charitable purposes that serve the Sonoma Valley will be eligible to apply. Any service or activity proposed must occur in the Sonoma Valley. Unincorporated organizations may apply if: 1) they have a structure (e.g., a stated mission or purpose, officers, membership, etc.) that will ensure accountability for grant funds: 2) they exist for charitable purposes; and 3) they provide benefits to a broad, non-exclusive audience. Wherever practicable, unincorporated groups are encouraged to secure the fiscal sponsorship of a local 501(c)3 organization.

Applications will not be accepted from organizations known to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

PROJECTS INELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Annual fund campaigns, fundraising events or debt retirement.
Capital campaigns, capital projects and capital equipment .
Grants (or loans) to individuals.
Political or religious purposes or programs requiring religious participation.
Projects submitted by departments of local government or which are normally within the domain of municipal government responsibility.
Projects that serve primarily residents outside of the Sonoma Valley.

For more information about Sonoma Valley Fund grants, contact Joe Valentine at 707.579.4073 x 12 or jvalentine@sonomacf.org.

For information on all Community Foundation grants, see Grants