Julia L. Grant Basic Human Needs Grant Program

The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs is administered by the Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC), a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening the safety net for individuals and families facing critical needs in Sonoma County, California. CFSC partners with donors and service organizations to channel resources where they are most urgently needed, particularly in areas of food and shelter security. The Fund exists to alleviate the hardship experienced by low-income residents in a region marked by a high cost of living and limited access to basic necessities. This grant program is designed to support nonprofit organizations addressing acute food insecurity and emergency shelter needs. It focuses specifically on programs delivering direct services, such as meal provision or shelter facilities. The fund is a response to both ongoing needs and crises like the delayed SNAP payments in fall 2025, which left thousands of residents vulnerable. In that instance, CFSC deployed $200,000 in emergency funding to the Redwood Empire Food Bank to assist families affected by the interruption in food assistance. The program continues to prioritize proactive and reactive support for food and shelter services. Approximately $800,000 in total funding is available for this grant cycle, with a stipulation that at least 70% be allocated to programs focused on food assistance. Individual grant awards may reach up to $30,000, and administrative expenses are fully allowable without a cap. Despite this support, the program typically funds only about half of its applicants, and some awards may be partial. Notably, this grant does not support requests for direct financial assistance such as rent or utility aid, nor does it fund gift cards or referral-only programs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in Sonoma County or organizations fiscally sponsored by such entities. Funded programs must directly serve the food and shelter needs of residents, with a particular focus on individuals living on the margins. Applications are expected to demonstrate minimal access barriers for clients and a clear commitment to equitable service delivery. Programs must operate in Sonoma County and focus exclusively on direct provision of essential services rather than acting as referral intermediaries. The application process is conducted online through the CFSC portal. New applicants must create an account, while returning applicants can use existing credentials. The application includes contact details, narrative responses, and additional documentation for those with fiscal sponsors. Fiscal sponsorship requires submission of a fiscal sponsorship form and an organizational budget for the sponsor. Applications open on January 12, 2026, and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on February 6, 2026. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions during the week of March 2, 2026. The grant performance period runs from March 15, 2026, through March 14, 2027. For questions related to program eligibility or the application process, contact José Castro Gambino, Senior Community Impact Officer, or Annette Williams, Community Impact Associate, using the email addresses and phone numbers provided on the CFSC website. There is no pre-application phase or letter of intent required, and the grant program operates on a recurring annual cycle.