Living in Sonoma County is expensive. The high cost of living makes it challenging for low- income residents to cover their basic human needs—a situation made worse by the compounding effects of the wildfires, coronavirus pandemic, and subsequent inflation. Families are increasingly forced to choose between paying their rent or medical bills, buying food or gas to get to work.
In crises such as these, straightforward, real-time assistance with food, shelter, transportation, or medical expenses can prevent families from losing a job, falling into homelessness, or facing another day without food.
We are pleased to launch our 2022 Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs grant program, with applications open from now through February 11. This grant programs offers a unique funding opportunity for nonprofit organizations already working with vulnerable populations and in need of funding for critical safety net services. Eligible organizations may apply for a grant between $15,000 and $30,000 through a streamlined application process.
Funds may be used to provide immediate and direct assistance to secure shelter, emergency food, transportation, and support for urgent medical and dental expenses to people in acute need. Examples of previous safety net services funded through this program include:
- Support for provision of food
- Rental assistance
- Emergency financial assistance
- Diapers and other hygiene items
- Medical expenses
Please note that due to the extreme impacts of inflation on the cost of food, proposals targeting food insecurity will be prioritized in 2022.
