SANTA ROSA, Calif. (August 28, 2024) – Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) announces the distribution of $350,000 across 35 Community Grants to Sonoma County nonprofits to continue their work in education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. See the full list of grant recipients at sonomawine.com/impact.
Proceeds from the annual Sonoma County Wine Auction are distributed as SCVF Community Grants to local nonprofit organizations each year. This is possible only through the tremendous support and generosity of the Sonoma County wine community, donors, and sponsor partners. This year’s grants were funded by the 2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction, which has been reimagined for 2024 as the Sonoma County Wine Celebration (SCWC). The three days of new events are happening September 19-21, with the live auction taking place on Saturday, September 21 at Chateau St. Jean.
“Our SCVF team and board of directors, along with our vintner members and wine industry, are deeply committed to assisting those in need and honored to partner with nonprofits here in our home of Sonoma County,” said SCVF Executive Director Michael Haney. “By working together and funding impactful programs and services, we all help create a stronger, more resilient community.”
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation partners with the Community Foundation Sonoma County, who facilitates the grant application, selection and funding processes. Grants have been distributed to more than 430 Sonoma County nonprofit organizations to date.
What SCVF Community Grants Mean to Sonoma County Nonprofits
“Plumfield Academy is deeply grateful for the generous grant funding we received from the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. This vital support will enable us to purchase supplemental literacy curriculum and classroom materials, which play a crucial role in developing literacy skills. They provide diverse and engaging content that can be tailored to each student’s unique learning needs, offering multiple pathways to understanding. By incorporating these materials into our curriculum, we can address various learning styles and challenges, ensuring that each student receives the individualized support they need to thrive.”
Jill Davidson, MSW, Executive Director, Plumfield Academy
“The Jewish Community Free Clinic’s ability to provide free food to anyone in need ensures that no one within our reach runs short. The easy availability of free and nutritious food with no questions asked is a huge benefit for low-income individuals and families who need food assistance to survive and thrive. No one in our community should have to choose between food and other basic needs and, with support from the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, that fear is alleviated for thousands each year because of the existence of our accessible JCFC Food Pantry.”
Donna Waldman, Executive Director, Jewish Community Free Clinic
“We know what catastrophic wildfire can do in our region and beyond — from damaging wine grapes to destroying communities. Prescribed fire is an essential tool to reduce over 100 years of fuel accumulation and restore our beloved forests and grasslands, and we are grateful to the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation for supporting our prescribed fire training and workforce development efforts to care for Sonoma County’s people and places.”
Tom Gardali, Chief Executive Officer, Audubon Canyon Ranch
“Every second Saturday of the month, 30-40 clients of all ages, genders and artistic abilities join us in creative expression connected to emotional wellbeing. We create art in small trauma-informed healing circles, using mediums such as clay, self-portraiture, embroidery and more, to explore our cultural identities and affirm our commitments to caring for ourselves in community. What better way to center culture in healthcare then to create art together. Thank you, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation, for your sustained support!”
Jocelyn Boreta, Executive Director, Botanical Bus: Bilingual Mobile Herb Clinic
You Can Make a Difference in Sonoma County
The 2024 Sonoma County Wine Celebration will take place September 19-21 at venues around Sonoma County, with the auction events happening September 21 at Chateau St. Jean. Named one of the nation’s top charitable wine auctions, proceeds have supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Proxy bidding is available for anyone to bid from anywhere in the world. Event proceeds will benefit Sonoma County nonprofits through SCVF Community Grants and Emergency Relief Fund. View the live auction lots, purchase event tickets and register for proxy bidding at SoCoWineCelebration.com.
Learn more about SCVF or make a donation at sonomawine.com/foundation.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to the local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is an accredited 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988. Its purpose is to consistently support local nonprofit organizations that address issues within the Sonoma County community. SCVF cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. With SCVF’s many initiatives including the Emergency Relief Fund, the organization is able to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.
About Sonoma County Wine Celebration
Sonoma County Wine Celebration brings the region’s renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on incredible travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, the auction has raised millions of dollars to help fund charitable organizations focusing on literacy, education, health & human services, the environment, arts & culture, and has supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at SoCoWineCelebration.com.
