$500,000 capital grants going to 13 Sonoma Valley nonprofits

Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund (Catalyst Fund) and Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) announced $500,000 in new funding for vital capital improvement projects for 13 Sonoma Valley-based nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to support local nonprofits, many of which operate on tight budgets, by enabling them to make essential safety, technological, and maintenance upgrades.

“We are thrilled to support the outstanding work these nonprofits are doing in our community,” said Karen Roche, Catalyst Capital Grants Chair. By providing funding for these much-needed capital improvements, we’re empowering them to continue serving Sonoma Valley with enhanced safety and efficiency.” 

Cary Snowden, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley (top center, above) , added, “Capital dollars are some of the hardest funds to raise. This grant allows us to move ahead with critically needed safety upgrades to the Maxwell Clubhouse. We’re incredibly grateful for the leadership and forethought of the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, who recognized the importance of funding this type of project.”  

Funding for the capital grants program is made possible by a one-time launch gift from Community Foundation Sonoma County. Elly Grogan, interim vice president for Community Impact, explained, “This critical funding comes thanks to the generosity of Roland and Hazel Todd, who left a legacy bequest to Community Foundation in the hopes that we would continue to support capital projects like these in the Sonoma Valley for years to come. We’re grateful to partner with the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund, whose dedicated volunteers did the groundwork to identify these projects and recommend these grants.”

The Catalyst Fund capital grants will be utilized for a wide range of projects across the Sonoma Valley: 

• Art Escape will upgrade its facility, adding storage and fencing, repairing outside stairs, and improving lighting.
• Becoming Independent will purchase a wheelchair-accessible minivan to provide personalized services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley will enhance security at their Maxwell Clubhouse with controlled entry systems for all doors.
• Community Child Care Council (4Cs) will convert a part-day preschool classroom into a full-day, full-year toddler program by upgrading the kitchen and adding laundry facilities and toddler-sized furniture.
• Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH) will replace roofs on the Food Pantry and Clothing Room buildings, including the removal and reinstallation of solar panels.
• Hanna Center will furnish its new community-facing Mental Health Hub, purchasing furniture for offices, waiting rooms, and shared spaces.
• Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) will acquire and install communal furnishings and appliances to make the communal area at HAS’ Home and Safe Village fully functional.
• R.I.S.K.-Sonoma will upgrade its technology, including re-building its website to offer an accessible and bilingual point of entry for clients and purchasing a laptop for presentations and meetings.
• Sonoma Immigrant Services Inc. will purchase office equipment and furniture to enhance its accessible legal services.
• Sonoma Overnight Support (SOS) will purchase a hybrid vehicle for food and supply transport and purchase appliances for their new kitchen location.
• Sonoma Valley Community Health Center will improve patient care through a new Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR) system, allowing them to better partner with other Sonoma County providers using the popular Epic system. They will also purchase new computers in anticipation of the EHR launch.
• Jack London Park Partners plans to purchase a truck and watering trailer to augment food production at their historic orchard at Jack London State Historic Park.
• Vintage House will replace its 25-year-old commercial dishwasher and sink and make necessary plumbing and electrical upgrades to continue providing meal services to seniors in Sonoma Valley.

Dr. Charlotte Hajer, Senior Director of the new Community Mental Health Hub at Hanna Center, expressed her gratitude for the grant: “We’re thankful for the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund’s support, enabling us to create a welcoming and therapeutic space at the Mental Health Hub. Their investment not only bolsters our efforts to provide vital services and resources to young people and their families but also highlights the importance of mental health care in our community.”

With these capital grants, the Sonoma Valley Catalyst Fund and Community Foundation Sonoma County aim to create a lasting impact on the community by enhancing the capabilities of nonprofit organizations to better serve the needs of the Sonoma Valley.