$1.2 Million in Basic Human Needs Grants

Community Foundation Sonoma County (CFSC) is proud to share $1.2 million in grants to 51 organizations helping people across Sonoma County stay fed, housed, and healthy.

Across Sonoma County, many people are struggling to afford basic necessities. As costs rise and resources fall short, more individuals and families are turning to local nonprofits for help with food and housing. At the same time, nonprofits are being asked to do more with less. CFSC’s Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs expands the capacity of trusted local nonprofits to respond to rising community needs and support individuals and families through difficult moments.

“Older adults in our community are making impossible choices between essentials like food and housing, especially those living on fixed incomes in our high-cost-of-living region,” said Denise Johnson, Director of Senior Nutrition and Health Services at the Council on Aging. “This generous award will help ensure that older adults can receive nutritious meals and the support they need to stay healthy, safe, and connected.”

In fall 2025, CFSC also made an urgent $200,000 grant to Redwood Empire Food Bank after federal food assistance payments for nearly 43,000 people in Sonoma County were delayed. This latest round of funding builds on that response, strengthening local nonprofits’ ability to meet immediate needs while also planning for the year ahead.

“Pay checks too often do not cover the costs of groceries and housing, and nonprofits are working tirelessly to provide resources in all corners of our large and diverse county,” said Amy Holter, Vice President for Community Impact at CFSC. “Through support for both direct aid and an evolving nonprofit infrastructure, grants from the Basic Human Needs program reflect a deep commitment to caring for one another now and in the future.”

Grantees include organizations providing groceries, prepared meals, and shelter services across Sonoma County. Together, these grants help ensure that people across Sonoma County can meet their most basic needs and find stability during challenging times.

2026 Grantees: