Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs Grant Program

The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs Grant Program, managed by Community Foundation Sonoma County, addresses the urgent needs of low-income families in Sonoma County. In light of recent crises, including wildfires and the pandemic, over one-third of working households struggle to afford basic necessities. This program offers funding to nonprofits providing essential services such as food, shelter, and transportation, ensuring immediate assistance to those in acute need and tackling the critical issue of food insecurity.

Meeting Basic Human Needs
In Sonoma County, the persistent challenge of meeting basic needs causes hardship for local individuals and families. Many local families must make difficult choices between essentials like housing and food due to the constraints of receiving low wages in an area with a high cost of living. Trusted local service organizations and community groups are working day and night to support the urgent needs of community members. CFSC is in continual conversation with leaders building a stronger local safety net.
Urgent Needs
In the fall of 2025, when SNAP payments were delayed for nearly 43,000 people in Sonoma County, many families suddenly faced the risk of running out of groceries. In response, CFSC quickly directed $200,000 to the Redwood Empire Food Bank to help them keep meals available for families across our community during a critical time. CFSC continues to work to provide emergency support to local organizations fighting hunger who are already stretched by rising demand and shrinking resources. Donations made to the Fund for Basic Human Needs will be pooled with others to provide direct support to organizations responding to food insecurity in Sonoma County now and over time.
Grant Program Overview
The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs grant program supports critical safety net services in Sonoma County. Grant applications may include requests for programs that provide food or shelter for people in acute need in Sonoma County.

Eligibility

The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs grant program is meant to address the most essential needs of families and individuals in Sonoma County. This year, applications for food and shelter will be considered.Requesting organization is a Sonoma County 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an organization fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Program provides services that address the food and shelter needs of community members. Direct provision of food and emergency shelter.
The program is designed to serve those living on the margins and minimizes barriers to accessing services.

Ineligibility

Referral programs are not eligible for this funding.Due to limited resources, requests for direct financial assistance, such as rental or utility assistance, gift cards, etc., will not be considered.