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A woman smiling at a young child in a daycare. Text: Julia L. Grant Basic Human Needs Grants Program

Grant Applications Open for our Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs

The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs is returning with an open, competitive grant program this year. Designed to fund safety net services, this program addresses the pressing challenge of meeting the basic needs of individuals and families in Sonoma County. This year, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the fund was expanded to provide additional resources specifically to address hunger and food insecurity.

Due to the compounding effects of natural disasters, the Coronavirus pandemic, and the ripple effects of inflation, families find themselves grappling with difficult financial choices related to basic needs like housing, food, clothing, and transportation. To address these pressing issues, timely and direct services are crucial to preventing job loss and homelessness and ensuring that families can meet their daily needs. A recent report from the United Ways of California Real Cost Measure 2023 study shows that more than one-third (36%) of Sonoma County working households cannot afford basic household necessities, underscoring the urgent demand for sustained support in the community.

Application Timeline and Grant Period

  • Monday, January 8: Online application opens
  • Friday, January 26: Application due by 5:00 p.m.
  • Late February: Applicants informed of grant awards
  • Grant Period: March 15, 2024, through March 14, 2025

We are eager to support organizations making a meaningful impact in our community. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information. Thank you for your continued dedication to building a resilient and thriving Sonoma County.

Learn more about the Julia L. Grant Basic Human Needs program here.

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