Grant proposal workshop for nonprofits scheduled for October 21

Impact100 Sonoma is offering a workshop to assist Sonoma Valley nonprofit organizations to develop successful grant proposals for the organization’s $100,000 Impact Grant and $5,000-$15,000 Community Grants to be awarded in late spring. The workshop will be conducted Thursday, October 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Leo’s church east wing, 601 West Agua Caliente Road.

Featured speakers Barbara Hughes, president and CEO of the Community Foundation Sonoma County, and Mary Marcussen, principal, Marcussen and Associates, will discuss opportunities and challenges faced by grant-making organizations and offer tips on how to develop a compelling and persuasive appeal to grant-making organizations. In addition, Impact100 Sonoma grants chair Patti England will present the organization’s 2011 grant guidelines and information on how nonprofits can submit a letter of inquiry, due November 11, 2010. Constance Grizzell, Impact100 Sonoma Community Grants program chair, will identify the factors Impact100 Sonoma will consider in selecting winning grant proposals. Nonprofit organization representatives interested in attending the free October 21 workshop should RSVP by October 19 to [email protected].

Impact100 Sonoma is a philanthropic organization started in August 2009 that brings together at least 100 women in a common purpose: to award an impact grant of $100,000 every year to a Sonoma Valley nonprofit organization that would otherwise not have access to this level of funding. The organization’s mission is to increase the number of women involved in local philanthropy, raise awareness of the unmet needs of nonprofits in Sonoma Valley, encourage members to become more involved with local charities, and make an impact on the long term sustainability of Sonoma Valley’s nonprofit community. The organization currently has 138 members, each of whom has donated $1,000 and gets one vote in determining the Sonoma Valley nonprofit that should receive the annual $100,000 Impact Grant. The organization also awards smaller grants with any remaining funds it has received after it awards its $100,000 annual Impact Grant. The organization awarded its first $100,000 Impact Grant in June 2010 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley’s College Bound Program.

Information about Impact100 Sonoma may be found at www.impact100sonoma.org or by calling 707-939-5007.