Healthy Petaluma Foundation Awards $285,000 in General Operating Support Grants

PETALUMA, Calif., February 13, 2024 — The Healthy Petaluma Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by southern Sonoma County’s health care district, collectively known as Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation, is bestowing a total of $285,000 in general operating support (GOS) grants to 18 community nonprofit organizations. The grants will fund a range of mission-driven operational needs and initiatives aimed at enhancing mental health services and support, community well-being and resilience across southern Sonoma County. All nonprofits will utilize their funds within six months and the grant amounts for each organization ranged from $5,000-$20,000.

“As a newly formed foundation, we are so excited to support our first cycle of grantees. Nonprofits are the backbone to providing needed services and their funding has decreased, creating gaps in services,” said Ramona Faith, CEO of Healthy Petaluma District and Foundation. “Our focus for this cycle was on mental health – one of the most critical-need areas affecting our community’s well-being. These nonprofits align with our mission to enhance mental health, foster community resilience and address critical social determinants that affect our residents. The programming that will be made possible from these grants are varied to benefit a range of age groups and demographics, as well as expands or strengthens services offered in southern Sonoma County."

Brian Dufour, a Healthy Petaluma Foundation board member who served on the Grant Review Committee, said, “These grants not only reflect Healthy Petaluma's unwavering commitment to our community but also set the stage for transformative change in the health and well-being of local residents. Our board, staff and grant selection committee took great care in selecting this initial wave of GOS grant awardees, a testament to our shared commitment to building a healthier community.”