Invested in the Promise of Sonoma County

Dr. Ada Norris, left, with clients, Maria Alvarez, center, and Denise Almodovar after their dog was examined at the Community Veterinary Clinic at Humane Society of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, Calif., Nov. 3, 2022. Photo by: Erik Castro

What We Accomplish Together

Community Foundation Sonoma County is the hub of philanthropy in Sonoma County. We utilize our local knowledge, leveraged resources, and over 40 years of experience serving Sonoma County, to benefit all who live here.

41

Active Years

$300m

in Total Grants

$202m

Total Assets

A young boy holding a chicken on a farm.

Community Impact

Our grant programs seek to meet Sonoma County’s most pressing needs, to make our community a place where everyone can thrive.

Arts Education

Sonoma County Vintners Community Grants

Environmental Education Pathways Program

Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs

Latino Leadership Fund Grant Program

Sonoma County Resilience Fund

Ways to Give

Community Foundation Sonoma County can help you develop a personalized approach to charitable giving.

Open a Fund

A woman smiling at a young child in a daycare. Text: Julia L. Grant Basic Human Needs Grants Program

Build your Legacy

A young girl on a farm wearing a purple sweater and purple mask holding a chicken in her arms.

Support a Program

Together, we’ve granted over $300m back into our community since 1983

1983
1983

CFSC is formed by a group of civic-minded citizens to address community needs and to establish an endowment program that would encourage philanthropy and enhance lives in Sonoma County. Their first grant is to the Santa Rosa Symphony.

1987
1987

The Parent Education Project, CFSC’s first major project, is launched, bringing parent education classes to workplaces, schools, and churches across Sonoma County.

1995
1995

Charles “Chops” DeMeo, a local lawyer and banker, grants CFSC $16 million dollars that he saved in secret to put towards making a club for local teens in Santa Rosa. Chop’s Teen Club opens its doors in 2001 and continues to make a difference today.

2003 & 2006
2003 & 2006

In 2003, the Healdsburg Area Affiliate Fund (now Healdsburg Forever), and later, in 2006, the Sonoma Valley Fund (which later became Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund), got their start as CFSC’s first regional affiliates.

2017
2017

CFSC establishes the Resilience Fund in response to the devastating Tubbs Fire, designed to address long-term disaster recovery in Sonoma County. Since 2017, the Resilience Fund has granted nearly $20 million dollars towards healing, helping, and housing.

2023
2023

A banner year, CFSC reaches $300 million dollars granted out to our community in our 40 years of service. After nearly a decade on our Board of Directors and committees, Óscar Chávez becomes CFSC’s first person of color to serve as President & CEO.

1983
1983

CFSC is formed by a group of civic-minded citizens to address community needs and to establish an endowment program that would encourage philanthropy and enhance lives in Sonoma County. Their first grant is to the Santa Rosa Symphony.

1987
1987

The Parent Education Project, CFSC’s first major project, is launched, bringing parent education classes to workplaces, schools, and churches across Sonoma County.

1995
1995

Charles “Chops” DeMeo, a local lawyer and banker, grants CFSC $16 million dollars that he saved in secret to put towards making a club for local teens in Santa Rosa. Chop’s Teen Club opens its doors in 2001 and continues to make a difference today.

2003 & 2006
2003 & 2006

In 2003, the Healdsburg Area Affiliate Fund (now Healdsburg Forever), and later, in 2006, the Sonoma Valley Fund (which later became Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund), got their start as CFSC’s first regional affiliates.

2017
2017

CFSC establishes the Resilience Fund in response to the devastating Tubbs Fire, designed to address long-term disaster recovery in Sonoma County. Since 2017, the Resilience Fund has granted nearly $20 million dollars towards healing, helping, and housing.

2023
2023

A banner year, CFSC reaches $300 million dollars granted out to our community in our 40 years of service. After nearly a decade on our Board of Directors and committees, Óscar Chávez becomes CFSC’s first person of color to serve as President & CEO.

Blog

We’re Hiring: Philanthropy Assistant

We’re Hiring: Philanthropy Assistant

Lynx Employer Resources is proud to support Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) in its search for a Philanthropy Assistant! At CFSC, our team is made up of people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds who share a passion for investing in the...

Welcome Angela Ryan, Executive Director of Catalyst Fund

Welcome Angela Ryan, Executive Director of Catalyst Fund

We are thrilled to announce that Angela Ryan has joined Community Foundation Sonoma County as the Executive Director of the Catalyst Fund. Angela brings a deep understanding of Sonoma Valley’s unique challenges and opportunities, having recently served as the...

CFSC Announces the Launch of the Resilient Organizations Program

CFSC Announces the Launch of the Resilient Organizations Program

Community Foundation Sonoma County Announces the Launch of the Resilient Organizations Program: New Training Initiative to Bolster Health & Human Service Nonprofits in Sonoma County   Santa Rosa, CA — Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) is thrilled to...