Healthy Petaluma Awards $350,000 in Second Round of 2025-2026 General Operating Support Grants
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PETALUMA, CALIF., January 21, 2026 — 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 18 local community nonprofit organizations. The grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, provide the essential stability organizations need to strengthen their foundations and proactively meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
“We are proud to stand alongside these 18 organizations as they do the vital work of bolstering our community’s social and health safety nets,” said Ramona Faith, CEO of Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation. “This $350,000 investment is a testament to our belief that when we fortify our local nonprofits, we create a more equitable and resilient southern Sonoma County for all.”
This cycle marks the second of two GOS funding rounds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. With this latest round, Healthy Petaluma has awarded a total of $700,000 in General Operating Support grants for the fiscal year.
"We know that many local organizations are currently navigating a crisis of funding cuts and uncertainty," said Brian Dufour, Board President. "In response, this grant cycle prioritized providing stabilizing support and making meaningful investments intended to help our partners sustain their operations so they can continue to serve the people who rely on them the most."
Grantees represent a broad cross-section of organizations, including those providing direct behavioral health services, improving our community's resilience, supporting the holistic health of local families and children, or creating opportunities for greater social connection. GOS funding offers unrestricted support that enables these organizations to align their operations with Healthy Petaluma’s mission and strategic priorities.
Organizations receiving funding in this cycle include:
● Buckelew Programs – Buckelew Programs provides mental health and housing services across the North Bay, including support for individuals with serious mental illness.
● Catholic Charities of Northwest California – Catholic Charities of Northwest California has provided trusted immigration legal services in Sonoma County advancing health equity and community well-being for thousands of immigrant residents.
● Circuit Rider Community Services – Circuit Rider Community Services serves high-risk youth who face barriers to health, well-being, and opportunity due to gang involvement, probationary status, or systemic disconnection.
● Cool Petaluma – Cool Petaluma advances climate action and sustainability through community-led initiatives and education.
● Daily Acts Organization – Daily Acts focuses on environmental education and community resilience through permaculture, sustainability, and climate leadership.
● Micah’s Hugs – Micah’s Hugs provides harm reduction services to those that may find themselves in an emergency-level behavioral health crisis.
● Mothers Care Support – Mothers Care Support offers peer support and resources to parents navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
● Pediatric Dental Initiative of the North Coast, Inc. – Pediatric Dental Initiative of the North Coast, Inc. expands access to dental care for children in underserved communities.
● Petaluma City Schools (McDowell School) – McDowell School is a public, Title 1, TK-8th grade school located in the Petaluma City Schools district.
● Petaluma Community Access – Petaluma Community Access operates local public media channels that amplify community voices and information.
● Petaluma Museum Association – Petaluma Museum Association preserves and shares Petaluma’s history while connecting the community through exhibitions, education, and programming.
● Polly Klaas Foundation – Polly Klaas Foundation works to protect children and support families through advocacy, education, and prevention efforts.
● Regenerative Education Alliance – Regenerative Education Alliance provides a structured, healing environment that helps students develop confidence, self-regulation, and a deeper connection to their surroundings.
● ReLeaf Petaluma – ReLeaf Petaluma aims to improve the city's urban tree canopy and environmental resilience.
● Sonoma County Alano Club – Sonoma County Alano Club provides a safe, sober space that supports individuals in recovery.
● Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District (Thomas Page Academy) – Thomas Page Academy provides an alternative education setting that supports student engagement and success in the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District.
● UCC Petaluma – UCC Petaluma serves as a trusted gathering place for diverse local groups and currently hosts programs that feed, support, and connect community members.
● YWCA Sonoma County – YWCA provides immediate safety and stability for adult and child victims of violence and connects them to additional resources and programs.
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 about Healthy Petaluma’s grant programs or strategic priorities, visit healthypetaluma.org.