Sonoma County ranks high on the Quality of Place Index, a measure of quality of life (and economic competitiveness), compared to other comparable California counties. The Index includes air quality, high school graduation rates, commute time, health insurance coverage, and culture and recreation indicators. Sonoma County...
Sonoma County moved up two places in the overall ranking for Health Outcomes. In 2016, the county is ranked sixth, according to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s annual County Health Rankings and Roadmaps Report. This isn’t by accident. Health...
A recent study confirms our intuition that retirees are happier when they give back. This Wall Street Journal blog (and related story) tracks survey results from nearly 4,000 adults and concludes that “giving back may just be the secret ingredient to a happier retirement”. We would...
At the recent Hispanics in Philanthropy gala in Sonoma, 32 Latino philanthropists and community leaders from across the United States were honored for their generosity and unrivaled community spirit. One of the HIPGiver awardees was our very own Oscar Chavez, who serves on our Board...
At the very heart of Sonoma County flows the beloved Russian River. This ancient, beautiful, integral resource provides precious water for drinking, fish and wildlife habitat, agriculture, and recreation; as such its value is inestimable. Yet our river is under constant assault from both nature...
In 2014 the Community Foundation commissioned a report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy called the Grantee Perception Report. The report surveyed our current grantees to get their honest feedback on how we were doing as grantmakers. We welcomed the thoughtful responses both positive and constructive...
The SAY Dream Center is open to provide housing, jobs and counselling to homeless youth! We couldn’t be prouder of SAY and Sonoma County for prioritizing the work of supporting youth and ensuring that the Dream Center become a reality. SAY has already welcomed some youth...
Stories create a common thread and understanding for families. Listen to Sharna Goldsecker, Executive Director of 21/64, share research and stories behind The Grandparent Legacy Project. The philanthropy podcast, Forward Thinking, explores how family narratives build a cohesive understanding of values for multiple generations. Both the story...
Philanthropist and community leader Marv Soiland’s legacy to Sonoma County is immeasurable. In addition to a business dynasty, he instilled a philanthropic value into both his family and community. Marv reminded everyone that it is critical to “give ten and save ten”. By employing a...
What happens when 15 of Sonoma County’s most interesting women nonprofit leaders get together? A lot of laughter and support bubbles out of the room. Partnerships and friendships are formed. Ideas and best practices are generously shared. A circle of support is created. In February, Community Foundation...