Resilient Organizations Program
At Community Foundation Sonoma County, we believe resilient nonprofits are essential to a thriving community. Launched in 2024, our Resilient Organizations Program equips local nonprofits with the tools to thrive through a three-part approach: free trainings and collaborative opportunities across the nonprofit sector, one-on-one support for keystone organizations navigating mergers and other complex challenges, and now, a new grant program for nonprofits innovating in the face of funding cuts and policy changes. Together, we’re strengthening the foundations of Sonoma County’s nonprofit sector—one organization at a time.
Apply for a Resilient Organizations Grant
In partnership with the County of Sonoma, Community Foundation Sonoma County is launching a new grantmaking program through our Resilient Organizations initiative. These grants are designed to support nonprofit adaptations in the face of reduced funding and policy changes, helping safeguard essential community programs.
Timeline
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Applications Due: October 10, 2025
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Awards Announced: November 2025
Our Impact
The Resilient Organizations Program was designed in partnership with local nonprofits to strengthen operational and financial resilience across the sector.
Since 2024, the program has delivered 18 free trainings on board governance, fundraising, grantwriting, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit legal and policy planning. These trainings have reached more than 250 nonprofit professionals and board members. Participants reported significant gains in knowledge, confidence, and capacity in trainings that would otherwise have been out of reach for many organizations.
The Resilient Organizations program also supports organizations with complex operational challenges to help ensure the sustainability of vital human services in our communities. For example, when Homeless Action Sonoma sought a partner to ensure sustainability for its emergency shelter program, Catholic Charities of Northwest California stepped in—bringing regional expertise and wraparound services to Sonoma Valley. With strategic guidance and funding from both our Resilient Organizations Program and the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, this collaboration is one model for how nonprofits can join forces to better serve their communities.
Trainings & Opportunities for Nonprofits
The Resilient Organizations Program promotes financial stability and long-term resilience across Sonoma County’s nonprofit sector. Now in its second year, our Resilient Organizations program supports local nonprofits in building the skills, strategies, and connections they need to adapt and thrive—no matter what challenges arise.
For 2025, we’re offering:
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Collaborative opportunities that strengthen collective impact across the nonprofit ecosystem. These sessions also offer funders valuable insights into the deeper capacity-building needs of local organizations—helping shape more responsive, effective grantmaking in the future.
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Practical trainings for both staff and board leadership, focused on areas identified by nonprofits as most critical to their success. This year’s offerings include returning topics with updated content, as well as new sessions tailored to current sector challenges.
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Targeted one-on-one support for keystone nonprofits navigating mergers, transitions, or other complex organizational needs.
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New grantmaking opportunities for nonprofits facing funding cuts, helping safeguard essential services and strengthening the resilience of our community safety net.
All trainings are free and open to Sonoma County nonprofits. To stay informed about upcoming opportunities, email resilientorgs@sonomacf.org
Recent Trainings
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Diversifying Fundraising for Sustainable Growth
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Board Governance I: Elevate Your Leadership
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Board Governance II: Committees, Assessment, & Development
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Nonprofit Legal & Policy Webinar
- Strategic Partnerships: Maximizing Impact through Collaboration
Resilient Organizations Partners
Community Foundation Sonoma County will partner with expert organizations to provide trainings and other opportunities for local stakeholders in nonprofit resilience. Current partners include:
Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership
CVNL is committed to advancing nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in the community. With a focus on training, resources, and support, CVNL provides leadership development, volunteer matching, consulting services, and other essential resources to nonprofit organizations.
Northern California Grantmakers
NCG is made up of community members across philanthropy including program officers, board members, donor trustees, individual donors, movement conveners, communicators, visionaries, advocates, dreamers, and believers. NCG believes in our collective power for good.
Supporting the Resilient Organizations Program
We’re grateful for your generosity! There are several ways to support the Resilient Organizations Program. If you have questions about supporting the Resilient Organizations Program, please contact Deirdre Holbrook, Vice President for Philanthropic Advancement, at dholbrook@sonomacf.org.
Give Online
Make a secure credit card donation through our website.
Through Your Fund at CFSC
If you have a donor-advised fund at Community Foundation Sonoma County, you can make a grant recommendation through the Giving Center.
By Check
Send a check made payable to Community Foundation Sonoma County.
Memo Line: Resilient Organizations
120 Stony Point Road, Suite 220
Santa Rosa CA 95401
Gifts of Stock
If you would like to contribute to the Resilient Organizations Program, please call or email us to let us know your gift is coming! View stock gift instructions here.
If you represent an organization in Sonoma County that would like to participate in the program, please email resilientorgs@sonomacf.org.
For questions about the Resilient Organizations Program, please contact:
Donors and fund holders with questions about supporting the Resilient Organizations Program, please contact:
