Sonoma City Council Discretionary Funding Program

The Council Discretionary Use Funding Request is a one-time funding opportunity managed through the Recreation and Community Services Program of Sonoma, commonly referred to as the "community fund." This initiative is directed by the Sonoma City Council to support tax-exempt and nonprofit organizations in implementing projects that creatively enhance the quality of life within Sonoma Valley. With a community-centered focus, this grant aims to foster collaboration, promote creative solutions, and strengthen the social fabric of the region through a wide range of locally beneficial initiatives. This program seeks to empower organizations by offering financial assistance up to a maximum of $3,000 per project or program during the fiscal year. Projects must align with the city’s objectives of promoting community well-being and must fall into one of three categories: free public events compliant with the City's special events policy, direct services or financial aid aimed at Sonoma Valley residents, or educational support such as services and supplies for K-12 schools in the area. These initiatives must be carried out within the funding fiscal year and demonstrate a direct benefit to the Sonoma Valley community. The application window for the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 is currently open, with a firm deadline set for April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Organizations are permitted to submit only one application per year, and the same organization may receive support only once in a given fiscal year. Funding decisions are made at the discretion of the Sonoma City Council and are contingent upon budget allocations determined through the City's annual budgeting process. Applications must come from qualified nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Ineligible applicants include government agencies and entities associated with political or religious purposes. Projects themselves must also be free from religious or political messaging, and funding cannot be used for operational costs, donations, or direct cash disbursements to individuals or families. Permissible uses of awarded funds include materials, services, contracts, and supplies directly linked to the proposed project. Funding is strictly limited to activities that serve Sonoma Valley residents, and recipients are prohibited from receiving additional City funding within the same fiscal year. This maintains equity and ensures the distribution of resources among a broader spectrum of community-serving entities. For further inquiries about the funding process or program specifics, applicants are encouraged to contact Lisa Janson, the Senior Management Analyst for the City of Sonoma, at (707) 938-3681.