Together for Women and Families Fund 

Together for Women and Families Fund

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the Together for Women and Families Fund?  

The Together for Women and Families Fund was created in response to the Women's Health Needs Assessment (WHNA) conducted in 2025. This fund supports programs that strengthen the health, stability, and well-being of women, girls, and families in the Petaluma community. By funding a multi-year cohort of grantees, Healthy Petaluma aims to invest in community-centered solutions that foster connection, resilience, and stability. 

2. Who is eligible to apply for this grant?  

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. To qualify, organizations must: 

• Serve residents within the Healthy Petaluma District, which includes Petaluma, Penngrove, and outlying areas.

• Propose work that aligns with one of the three priority areas outlined below. 

3. What are the funding priorities for this grant? 

Proposals must align with one of the following three priority areas, as identified in the WNHA:  

• Strengthen Mental Health Supports & Coping Skills: Programs that expand access to care through innovative models like group therapy, peer support, or mentorship. 

• Support Community Spaces for Connection and Belonging: Initiatives that create safe, culturally responsive gathering spaces or social activities to reduce isolation. 

• Foster Collective Action to Address Economic Stressors: Programs offering housing stability support, financial literacy, or navigation for safety-net services. 

4. How does this differ from the General Operating Support Grant?  

Unlike the General Operating Support (GOS) program, which provides unrestricted funds for overall organizational health, this fund offers programmatic support. Funds must be used for specific projects or activities that advance the priorities listed above and for work within the Healthy Petaluma service area. 

5. How much funding is available?  

The grant program has Healthy Petaluma Board approval for $2 million over three years. So, the Fund budget is approximately $666,660 per year. 

• There is no fixed minimum or maximum request amount. We anticipate a grantee cohort in the range of eight to twelve organizations.  

• We anticipate that the average annual grant will be approximately $65,000. 

• We encourage smaller, grassroots organizations to apply for amounts that align with their capacity, while larger organizations with broader reach may request amounts commensurate with their scale. 

6. What is the grant period and structure? 

• Grant Period: The funding covers Mid-2026 through Mid-2029. 

• Multi-Year Commitment: Selected grantees will receive funding for up to three years to allow partners to focus on program delivery rather than annual fundraising. 

• Flat Funding: The award amount determined in Year One is intended to remain consistent for Years Two and Three. We do not anticipate increasing or decreasing the award amount annually unless significant barriers arise. 

7. What is the application process and timeline?  

The application process consists of two stages: 

• Stage 1 (Letter of Intent): Opens February 2, 2026 and closes February 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM. 

• Stage 2 (Full Application): A select cohort will be invited to submit full proposals in Spring 2026. 

• Funding Release: Final decisions will be made and Year One funding released in Summer 2026. 

8. Do I need to submit a detailed budget with the Letter of Intent (LOI)? 

No. At the LOI stage, you only need to provide an estimated annual funding request. A detailed budget is not required at this stage. 

9. What are the reporting requirements?  

We aim to minimize administrative burden while demonstrating value to our stakeholders. Reporting will focus on: 

• Tangible Outputs: Tracking 1–3 simple, quantifiable numbers (e.g., number of sessions held, individuals served) using your existing data collection methods where possible. 

• Storytelling: Sharing 1–2 participant success stories annually including personal stories and program participant photos. (If consent has been given and program participants are comfortable sharing. Anecdotes can be anonymized. 

• Other general reporting, including challenges encountered, programmatic milestones achieved, notable updates, etc.  

10. Can start-up or new programs apply?  

Yes. The application specifically asks whether the program is existing or new. We welcome community-centered solutions that may move beyond traditional medical models. The Healthy Petaluma Board has adopted the Vital Conditions for Health and Wellbeing as an equity framework, and organizations are encouraged to consider vital conditions in their application and programming. Organizations that offer existing programs that are consistent with the CHNA priorities are also welcome to apply. 

11. Does my organization have to be women-led or only serve women to apply?  

No. While your organization does not need to be exclusively women-led or women-serving, the specific program you are applying for must primarily benefit women, girls, or families within the Healthy Petaluma service area. You should clearly demonstrate how the program addresses the unique needs identified in the Women's Health Needs Assessment. 

12. Are there priority populations for this grant program?  

Yes. The grant program prioritizes specific populations of focus. Priority populations are identified for each respective priority area within the WHNA to ensure funding is directed toward communities with the greatest needs and to align support with the intended impact of each priority area. Each  

13. Does this fund support transgender and non-binary individuals?  

Yes. The WHNA explicitly identifies LGBTQIA+ populations—including transgender women and gender-diverse individuals—as priority groups facing significant health disparities. We welcome proposals that create safe, affirming spaces and services for these community members. 

14. Are collaborative or joint applications allowed?  

Yes. We recognize that complex challenges often require collective action. You may submit a collaborative proposal; however, one organization must serve as the lead applicant and fiscal agent for the grant. The lead applicant will be responsible for the grant agreement, reporting, and fund distribution. 

15. What if my program fits into more than one priority area?  

We understand that holistic programs often overlap. However, for the application, you must select only one priority area that represents the primary focus of your work. You will have space in the narrative to explain how your program might touch on other secondary benefits. 

16. Can these funds be used for capital expenses or renovation?  

The primary purpose of this fund is programmatic support (service delivery, staffing, activities) rather than large-scale capital campaigns. However, capital spending is permissible if the expense is essential to delivering the program (e.g., equipping a safe gathering space).  

17. Who can I contact for assistance?  

For additional questions regarding the Together for Women and Families Fund, please contact: 

• Matthew Ingram, Director of Community Impact: MINGRAM@HEALTHYPETALUMA.ORG 

• Ben Spierings, Program Officer: BSPIERINGS@HEALTHYPETALUMA.ORG