We seek to recognize and support nonprofits currently addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations in Sonoma Valley and the springs.  We will provide funding and technical assistance to a Cohort of up to six organizations interested in committing time, energy and creative thinking to the goal of braver, stronger and better together. What follows is an outline of how we expect the effort may unfold over four years (subject to change):

Year One: Getting to Know You and Defining Capacity Building Goal(s)

• Receive $10,000 general operating support to enable participation
• Participate in all scheduled meetings estimated to be at least four full-day Cohort learning sessions (9:00 – 3:00)
• Participate in cross-site visits to meet your Cohort colleague organizations personally
• Complete an organizational assessment survey
• Participate in a technical assistance site visit with consulting team to review survey results
• Receive ongoing consultation from consulting team on non-profit strategy, capacity and evaluation
• Complete a Year-End report that summarizes the experience
• Develop and submit a capacity building project proposal for Year Two funding

 Year Two: Practicing Change

• Assuming full participation in Year One activities and submission of a capacity building project proposal, receive support toward capacity building project implementation
• Participate in all scheduled meetings estimated to be at least four full-day Cohort learning sessions (9:00 – 3:00)
• Receive consultation from consulting team in support of project implementation
• Participate in telephone check-ins and potentially site visits with consulting team
• Complete a year-end project report that identifies project and organizational process and outcome results; and includes a proposal for third year funding
• Provide feedback on Year Two Cohort experience

 Year Three: Braver, Stronger & Better Together

• Assuming full participation in Year Two activities, receive a second grant toward capacity building project implementation
• Participate in all scheduled meetings estimated to be at least four full-day Cohort learning sessions (9:00 – 3:00)
• Participate in telephone check-ins and potentially, site visits with consulting team
• Complete a final report on the Cohort experience that identifies project and organizational results
• Develop a Cohort concept for Sustaining Success in Year Four and commit to implementation

 Year Four: Sustaining Success

• Implement Sustaining Success concept – agree to self-organize at least one session with professional facilitation provided at the expense of the Foundation to reflect on the lasting impact of the Cohort experience and how to maintain the benefits.
• Participate in telephone check-in with consulting team to evaluate progress and impact

Capacity building work is not easy. There are no magical solutions and the benefit to organizations always correlates with the time and effort invested by the organization.  Before applying, applicants should consider the following:

Does your organization have the ability (and desire) to:

• Participate consistently and collegially in the learning Cohort?
• Have your staff and board complete an organizational assessment survey?
• Work with colleagues and a consultant to evaluate priorities for a capacity building project?
• Develop and implement a capacity building project proposal?
• Report on results and progress and ask for help when needed?

Non-profit organizations committed to strengthening connections with one another, that are based in the Valley and providing services or offerings to Valley residents are eligible to apply.  We are striving to build a healthy community in Sonoma Valley — a community in which all residents can thrive. Organizations whose ambition aligns with ours are encouraged to apply.

Please note – this funding cannot be applied to the following:

• Annual fund campaigns, fundraising events or debt retirement
• Capital campaigns
• Conferences or one-time events
• Political or religious purposes (or programs requiring religious participation)
• Projects that primarily serve residents outside of Sonoma County
• Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic protected by law