Healthy Petaluma Awards $350,000 in First Round of 2025-2026 General Operating Support Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PETALUMA, Calif., June 11, 2025 — The Healthy Petaluma Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by southern Sonoma County’s healthcare district, collectively known as Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation, is proud to announce a total of $350,000 in general operating support (GOS) grants to 22 local community nonprofit organizations. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $22,500, offer unrestricted, flexible funding to organizations advancing health equity, prevention, early intervention and community resilience. These grants empower local nonprofits to address the root causes of health disparities and respond dynamically to the community's evolving needs.

“General Operating Support gives our community partners the capacity to remain responsive, innovative, and mission-focused,” said Ramona Faith, CEO of Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation. “By investing in their infrastructure and long-term sustainability, we strengthen the broader health and well-being ecosystem in southern Sonoma County.”

This cycle marks the first of two GOS funding rounds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, each with a $350,000 budget. Round two will be announced in Fall 2025. In fiscal year 2024-2025, Healthy Petaluma invested more than $1.8 million in grants and initiatives, including Blue Zones Project Petaluma. Healthy Petaluma’s Board has approved over $2.1 million for community investments for fiscal year 2025-2026.

“Our board is deeply committed to creating a healthier community for everyone in southern Sonoma County,” said Cheryl Negrin, Healthy Petaluma Foundation board member and GOS Grant evaluation committee member. “We're dedicated to improving the health of our community through funding, targeted initiatives, and our relationships with partner organizations.”

Grantees represent a broad cross-section of service areas, including mental health, youth support, senior services, housing access, food security and culturally competent care. GOS funding enables these organizations to cover essential operational

expenses, build capacity, and plan for the future, without the restrictions that come with project-based funding. Organizations that will receive funding include:

Petaluma River Park Foundation – The Foundation is developing a 35-acre public park on the Petaluma River, focusing on equitable access and inclusive design.

Verity – Sonoma County’s sole rape crisis center provides 24/7 support for survivors of sexual violence through crisis intervention, counseling and prevention education.

Amor Para Todos – Amara Para Todos ensures safe, welcoming, and inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students and allies through education, advocacy, and youth leadership.

Café Puente – This culturally centered, community gathering space includes programs that support youth, families, and Spanish-speaking residents through healing and connection.

Child Parent Institute – The institute provides parenting education, family support services, and therapeutic interventions aimed at strengthening families and preventing child abuse.

Food For Thought – Established in 1988, this nonprofit delivers nutritious meals and groceries to low income people living with serious illnesses.

10,000 Degrees – The leading, equity focused scholarship provider provides college access and success programming for low-income students, first-generation college students and students of color.

Redwood Empire Food Bank – The food bank operates food distribution programs to address hunger throughout Sonoma County, including targeted programs in Petaluma.

Urban Chat – Through education and community organizing, this organization advocates for equitable, climate-friendly urban planning and transportation policies.

Ruthless Kindness – A mobile veterinary service and domestic violence support organization, addressing both human and animal welfare in crisis situations.

CTE Foundation – The Foundation supports workforce readiness through career pathway development and technical education for local youth.

Committee on the Shelterless (COTS) – COTS provides housing, case management, and wraparound services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

HomeFirst – Dedicated to offering shelter and supportive services throughout Sonoma County, including outreach to unsheltered individuals in Petaluma.

Petaluma Health Center – This federally qualified Health Center provides medical, dental, and behavioral health services, particularly to underserved populations.

Ceres Community Project – To help clients with serious illnesses, the organization engages volunteers to prepare and deliver medically tailored meals.

Sonoma Family Meal – Committed to strengthening and nourishing the community, it provides prepared meals to food-insecure families, often during emergencies or economic hardship.

Rebuilding Together Petaluma – This nonprofit provides free home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners, seniors and people with disabilities.

Senior Advocacy Services – Dedicated to advocating for seniors and individuals with disabilities, this organization supports older adults and their families through services such as ombudsman support, elder justice and Medicare counseling.

On the Margins, Inc. – On the Margins, Inc. offers culturally responsive mental health and healing services rooted in liberation psychology, particularly for Latine youth and families.

Petaluma Arts Center – The Arts Center facilitates community access to visual arts and creative expression.

Petaluma People Services Center – The center delivers a wide range of services, including mental health, food security, senior support, and homelessness prevention.

Generation Housing – Fiscally sponsored by Tides Center, this organization advances housing policy and production in Sonoma County, focusing on equity and affordability.

About Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation

Formerly the Petaluma Health Care District, Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation is a community-owned and -operated agency comprising a special district and a 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to improving the health and well-being of southern Sonoma County through leadership, advocacy, support, partnerships and education. Its vision is to foster a healthier community and equitable access to comprehensive health and wellness services. The district has ensured access to local acute care and emergency services and has served southern Sonoma County’s health and wellness needs since 1946. For more information, visit healthypetaluma.org