Impact100 Sonoma Impetus Grants

Impact100 Sonoma offers the Impetus Grants as part of its 2025–2026 grantmaking cycle to support nonprofit organizations serving Sonoma Valley. The program aims to strengthen core missions through targeted funding, enabling nonprofits to address critical needs, overcome operational challenges, and increase organizational capacity. These grants are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for diverse uses aligned with the organization’s objectives, and reflecting Impact100 Sonoma’s trust-based philanthropic approach. Each Impetus Grant may be requested for up to $25,000. Applicants must submit a one-year budget as part of their proposal, though funds may be spent over a two-year period. These grants are restricted, meaning funds must be used exactly as specified in the approved budget. Uses may include programmatic needs, infrastructure upgrades, capital expenses, and designated operating items. Prohibited uses include capital campaigns, endowments, political or religious activities, fundraising events, and debt reduction. Applicants are expected to present a strong case for funding by demonstrating financial stability, mission alignment, community impact, and clear outcomes. Applications must be submitted through the Foundant Grant Portal, and the portal opens on November 1, 2025, with a submission deadline of January 9, 2026, by 8:00 PM. All required documents, including financial statements and the grant budget, must be uploaded via the portal. Incomplete applications or those missing financials will not be accepted. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt and may be contacted for clarifications. Following submission, applications undergo review by the Financial Review Committee, which evaluates organizational stability and budget feasibility. Successful proposals move on to the Grant Review Committee for a site visit and due diligence process. Applicants may choose a virtual or in-person site visit. Finalists are selected by late March and invited to present their proposals at the Meet the Finalists event in April. The number of awards will depend on available funding, and winners will be announced later that month. Only nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or have a qualified fiscal sponsor are eligible to apply. Organizations must have at least two full years of operations and audited or reviewed financial statements. Applicants must serve residents of Sonoma Valley, from Schellville to Kenwood. Previous recipients of an Impetus Grant must wait one year before reapplying, while Encore Grant recipients must wait two years. Faith-based and political organizations may only participate as collaborators, not as lead applicants or fiscal sponsors. Collaboration and partnership agreements must be documented through signed forms at submission. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report at the conclusion of the grant period. Impact100 Sonoma promotes grant recipients through its public communications and expects them to provide updates during member meetings. The Encore Grant, which offers an additional year of funding to one Impetus Grant recipient, will be awarded in early 2027 following a financial review. The structure and requirements of the Impetus Grant ensure accountability, while supporting local nonprofits in making a lasting impact.

Apply early via Foundant; upload all required financials; include realistic budget; ensure alignment with Impact100 values; report submission required for reapplication.