Primary menu links

  1. Parks, Recreation & Community Services
  2. About the Recreation & Community Services Program
  3. Discretionary Funding Requests

Council Discretionary Use Funding Requests

Through the Recreation and Community Services Program, also known as the 'community fund,' we allocate Discretionary Funding for the Sonoma City Council to offer one-time financial support to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations, enabling them to bring their ideas to life. We prioritize projects and programs that inspire creativity, foster community connections, and strengthen partnerships, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Sonoma Valley.

This online application for Discretionary Funding has been developed to improve accessibility and transparency in the selection and allocation process. Our mission is to cultivate vibrant communities by supporting civic and arts projects, aligning closely with the Sonoma City Council's goal of enhancing Parks and Recreation and Community Services.

We're excited to support projects that enrich our community.  If you meet the criteria outlined below and have an innovative idea that will enhance life in Sonoma Valley, we encourage you to submit your application for discretionary funding online for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025. The application deadline for this budget cycle is April 26, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact Lisa Janson, Senior Management Analyst.

Funding Criteria

  • Maximum funding per project/program: $3,000 per fiscal year.
  • Funding is dependent on available resources and outlined in the City's Recreation and Community Services Program Funding and Policy guidelines.
  • Ultimate discretion and approval rest with the City Council.
  • Annual funding amounts are determined during the City's budget development process

Eligible Programs/Projects

To be considered for funding, projects must:

  • Benefit the Sonoma Valley community.
  • Fall under one of the following categories:
    • Free community events adhering to the City's special events policy.
    • Direct services or financial assistance benefiting Sonoma Valley residents.
    • Educational services or supplies for K-12 schools in Sonoma Valley.
  • Take place within the fiscal year of allocation.
  • Organizations may submit one application per fiscal year and may benefit only once per year.

Limitations

  • Applicants must be non-profit or tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
  • Funding is not provided for religious or political purposes or for governmental agencies.
  • No political or religious messaging allowed within projects.
  • Funding is limited to specific expenses such as contracts, services, materials, and supplies.
  • Operational expenses for organizations are not eligible.
  • Funding is directed towards Sonoma Valley residents only.
  • No additional funding from the City within the same fiscal year.
  • No funding for donations or cash/gift cards to individuals or families.

Apply now using the online form below

Applications must be recieved by April 26, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. in order to be considered for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget.

  • Applicant must be an organization with a non-profit or tax-exempt status as organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.
  • Max. file size: 25 MB.
    The non-profit must be in good standing with the IRS to be considered eligible for funding.
  • For more information on City of Sonoma Business licenses please visit https://www.sonomacity.org/business-licenses/
  • If different then the Executive Director/Board Member please complete.
    Please check all that apply.
  • Please list a physical address of where the program/project will be held.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
    *For this purpose, “Sonoma Valley” is defined as being North of San Pablo Bay at Sears Point, East of the Sonoma Mountain Range, South of Melita Road & Hwy 12 and West of the Mayacamas Mountain Range.
  • Please include description of the project or program here.
  • Please use 400 characters or less to describe.
  • If awarded funding the organization will be required to report back to City Council on the end results, please use discretion when providing estimated number of individuals served.
  • The number of discretionary funded projects is dependent on the available funding, the discretionary funding is outlined in the City of Sonoma’s Recreation and Community Services Program Funding and Policy guidelines. The City Council will award up to a maximum of $3,000 per project or program each fiscal year based on the City’s approved budget. The City Council has the ultimate discretion and final approval for all program approvals.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Save & Continue
Close window