Winery and Restaurant Employee Assistance Program and Community Grants to Help Address Community Needs
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (April 10, 2020) – Today, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation announces two funding programs to assist in aiding the local community. Part of the program is an emergency relief contribution to support Sonoma County winery and restaurant employees, who are furloughed and in need. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation will also support 80 nonprofit organizations in Sonoma County with Community Grants and will honor flexible spending to ease the impact of the Novel Coronavirus.
“We are incredibly honored to support these programs for Sonoma County during this difficult time,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation President Clay Mauritson. “While we know the Coronavirus will have a long-term impact on the community, we are fortunate to be able to respond quickly in this time of need.”
Sonoma County Vintners Foundation has provided an initial investment of $145,000 from the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Emergency Relief Fund to organizations including Corazón Healdsburg for the Winery and Restaurant Employee Assistance Program. Employees of wineries and restaurants that have been furloughed can apply for financial assistance for this program. Applications through Corazón Healdsburg are taken on a first-come, first-served basis and there are a variety of qualifications. To learn more or to apply for the program, visit https://www.corazonhealdsburg.org/covid19/. For those who wish to assist with this fund and make a donation, please visit https://sonomawine.com/foundation/.
“The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and the wine community have always been strong supporters of Corazón’s mission,” says Corazón Healdsburg CEO Ariel Kelley. “Our local workforce has suffered tremendous financial loss since the Shelter in Place order was issued just a few weeks ago. This grant will enable Corazón to provide immediate financial support for those in our community with urgent needs. For many years the Vintners have been a valuable partner of ours and supported various programs we facilitate for our community through Community Grants. This collaboration is an opportunity for us to continue this strong partnership.”
The second funding program is $1,060,000 of Community Grants that are being distributed from Sonoma County Vintners Foundation to 80 nonprofits in Sonoma County. Through the tremendous support of the wine community and donors, proceeds of the annual Sonoma County Wine Auction are distributed through Community Grants to Sonoma County non-profit organizations focusing on literacy & education, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. Given the current situation with the Coronavirus, many nonprofit organizations are in immediate need of funding. This year the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation is allocating these funds earlier than previous years and allowing beneficiary organizations flexible spending to address needs that may have arisen due to the Coronavirus. In addition to this funding, earlier this year $1 million was distributed to Sonoma County Fund the Future programs focused on educational skills and improving third-grade literacy. The Community Foundation Sonoma County partners with the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation and provides insight, knowledge and resources to aid the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation in distributing funds to local nonprofits throughout Sonoma County.
“Sonoma County Vintners Foundation is passionate and committed to supporting our community,” says Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director Michael Haney. “Our hearts go out to all those currently impacted and our hope is that these programs can help to ease the burden during this challenging time.”
To learn more about the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation click here or view the full list of community grant beneficiaries click here.
About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
The Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to our local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Our fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of literacy, education, health and human services, the environment and arts and culture. Our signature fundraising event, Sonoma County Wine Auction has been recognized as one of Wine Spectator’s Top Charity Wine Auctions in the United States. Learn more at SonomaWine.com/Foundation.
