General Community Grants (JLD Ag Fund)

General Community Grants

Organization: Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund (JLD Ag Fund)

Program Overview

The JLD Ag Fund provides annual community-enhancing grants to support the preservation, protection, and promotion of agricultural lands in Napa County. Since reaching their endowment goal in 2014, the fund plans to provide up to $50,000 in annual grants.

Funding Purpose

Grants support two major approaches to agricultural land preservation:

1. Education: Continual education about the importance and contribution of agriculture to the Napa County community
2. Research & Advocacy: Land use and planning research when agricultural lands of Napa County may be threatened

Eligible Project Focus Areas

• Research on agricultural land preservation
• Educational programs about agriculture and the Napa Ag Preserve
• Land use and planning initiatives
• Conservation and stewardship programs
• Public awareness and education
• Community engagement on agricultural issues
• Environmental quality and sustainable practices
• Programs promoting agricultural heritage

Geographic Scope

• Location: Napa County, California
• Requirement: Programs or projects should occur in and directly benefit Napa County

Eligibility Requirements

• Organizations, programs, and projects directly related to preservation, protection, and/or promotion of agricultural land and agriculture in Napa County
• Must align with JLD Ag Fund Mission and Goals
• Preference for projects with multi-year funding structures or alternatives to ongoing operating expenses

What They Fund

• Research projects on agricultural land preservation
• Educational programs and materials
• Community awareness initiatives
• Conferences and forums
• Conservation easement education
• Youth agricultural education programs
• Habitat enhancement initiatives
• Legal research on agricultural protection policies

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside Napa County
• Projects not directly related to agricultural land preservation
• Ongoing operating expenses (alternatives suggested)

Board Meeting Schedule

• The board meets 4-6 times per year to consider grants and funding opportunities
• Inquiries should be initiated 2-3 months prior to the desired review period

Contact Information

• Email: info@jldagfund.org
• Address: JLD Ag Fund, Attn: Heather Butler Singer, 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515
• Phone/Website: jldagfund.org
• Tax ID: 94-2843178

Funding Sources

• Public fundraising efforts
• Private donations
• Sales of Querencia Brut Rosé (wine created by Davies family of Schramsberg)
• 1% for the Planet program partnerships

Step 1: Initial Inquiry

1. Prepare a brief proposal letter (1-2 pages recommended)
2. Outline your project with focus on:
   • How it relates to agricultural land preservation, protection, and/or promotion
   • Its relevance to Napa County
   • Direct benefits to Napa County
3. Specify funding amount needed
4. Include contact information and organization details

Step 2: Submission

1. Submit via email to info@jldagfund.org
2. Include a brief letter describing your proposal
3. Timeline: Initiate inquiries 2-3 months prior to desired review period

Step 3: Board Review

1. Await board contact - They will contact you if more information is needed
2. Prepare for presentation - Coordinate timing for presentation to JLD Ag Fund board
3. Board meetings occur 4-6 times per year

Proposal Guidelines

• Multi-year proposals are acceptable
• Alternative funding structures are encouraged for ongoing operating expenses
• Focus on research, education, and community impact

Required Information

• Organization mission and 501(c)3 status (if applicable)
• Project description and goals
• Budget and funding request
• Timeline
• Expected outcomes and community benefits
• How the project supports agricultural land preservation in Napa County

Contact Before Submitting

• Consider contacting the fund 2-3 months before you want to submit to discuss your idea
• This allows time to coordinate presentation to board
• Increases likelihood of positive review

Stated Goals (Helpful for Alignment)

The JLD Ag Fund prioritizes projects that:

• Preserve and enhance the agricultural heritage of the Napa Valley through research, education, and stewardship
• Support patterns of land use that preserve the Agricultural Preserve concept
• Encourage appropriate land use planning
• Promote awareness, education, and conservation programs
• Support sustainable use of agricultural lands
• Promote environmental quality and high quality of human life