Introducing $500,000 in initial grants for Solano non-profits
For too long, nonprofits in Solano County have received far less funding when compared to other Bay Area counties. A recent United Way study found that Solano County receives the least amount of philanthropic support in the entire Bay Area. Despite having nearly 6 percent of the region’s population, Solano County receives less than 1 percent of Bay Area nonprofit funding.
We believe that our project will help over time narrow that funding gap – by attracting major employers to Solano County, and through creation of community benefit programs. However, while we can make a much bigger difference once our project attracts major employers and starts generating revenue, we know that there are many important causes in Solano County that urgently need funding now.
As a result, we are introducing an initial round of community grants in which we will distribute $500,000 to local non-profit organizations between now and June 30, 2024.
How to apply
To apply, please email grants@californiaforever.com with the following information:
Organization name and EIN, including confirmation of your non-profit status
Responsible individual, email, phone number
Amount requested
Description of how the funds would be used
If available, evidence of a successful track record of delivering results with prior funding amounts (annual reports, media coverage, references to local residents who can vouch for your program, or anything else we can rely on)
The grants will be awarded, disbursed, and publicly listed on a rolling basis between now and June 30, 2024.
Initial grants
We are also delighted to announce that we awarded some initial grants as part of this initiative to the following organizations:
Opportunity House in Vacaville - A homeless shelter that helps people transition into permanent housing and employment
Travis Community Champions for Wings Over Solano - Supporting the Travis Air Force Base community and the Wings Over Solano air show.
SafeQuest Solano - An organization dedicated to providing prevention education, advocacy, and intervention services to those affected by domestic violence.
VEST Solano - An organization that provides resources and support to survivors of domestic violence.
Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA) - An organization dedicated to ensuring Asian Pacific Americans are represented when important decisions are made that affect everyone’s lives.
“Support from community partners is critical to help break the cycle of homelessness. We’re grateful for California Forever’s recent donation to help fund locally-driven solutions and create a brighter and healthier future for Solano residents experiencing homelessness,” said Ashley Banta, Executive Director, Opportunity House.
“SafeQuest Solano is immensely grateful to California Forever for its donation to our efforts to support women across Solano County. This funding will go a long way toward ensuring our organization is in the best possible place to empower survivors of domestic violence in our homes, schools, workplaces & communities.” said Annie Vogelpohl, past president of SafeQuest Solano.
“We’re happy to see California Forever supporting community members and organizations that make Solano County such a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” said Amy Fabi, APAPA Solano chapter board member. “APAPA looks forward to continuing to build a relationship with neighbors like California Forever to make Solano an inclusive and representative community.”