Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund

The Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund, managed by the Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) in partnership with Napa Valley Vintners, supports nonprofit organizations in Napa County that provide essential safety net services. This initiative honors the legacy of Elaine Maria Jones, a dedicated community leader and philanthropist. The Fund was created in response to reductions or shifts in public funding, rising operational costs, and increased community needs, aiming to stabilize and sustain crucial services for working families and vulnerable populations in Napa County. Funding is available through three distinct mechanisms: General Operating Support Grants of up to $100,000 for one year, Capacity Building Grants up to $50,000 for systems strengthening or technical assistance, and Bridge Loans of up to $100,000 offered interest-free to address temporary cash flow challenges caused by delayed governmental funds. Eligible organizations may apply for both a general operating or bridge loan grant alongside a capacity building grant, or for a capacity building grant alone. The total maximum funding per organization is $150,000. The grant term runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating significantly in Napa County with at least 51% of their safety net services delivered locally over the past five years. Eligible services must support core needs such as childcare assistance, housing and rental aid, food security, healthcare access, legal support, and services for survivors of abuse. Applicants must demonstrate financial eligibility, including an annual Napa County budget between $500,000 and $10,000, and provide evidence of either reduced funding or increased client demand in fiscal years ending June 30, 2025 or 2026. Applications must be submitted by June 20, 2025, through the AwardSpring online portal. Required documents include operating budgets, budget vs. actuals for past fiscal years, pro forma budgets for the upcoming year, audited financial statements or financials if audits are unavailable, and a list of board members. An optional Zoom information session will be held on May 15, 2025, with RSVPs due by May 9. Applicants are encouraged to contact Julia DeNatale, Vice President of Community Impact, with any questions. The application must include a narrative addressing the organization’s mission, program details, demographics served, financial overview, outcomes, collaborations, innovations, and risk assessments. For those applying for capacity building grants, additional information about the proposed project, vendors, and budgeting is required. Final funding decisions will be communicated by August 15, 2025, and grantees must submit a report by April 30, 2026. NVCF and Napa Valley Vintners continue to serve the region with a commitment to philanthropy and community resilience, having distributed substantial support across healthcare, education, and environmental initiatives in Napa County.