Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $10,400,000 (grants in 2024)
- Success Rate: Not available
- Decision Time: Not available
- Grant Range: Varies by program
- Geographic Focus: Humboldt, Trinity, Del Norte counties (CA) and Curry County (OR)
Contact Details
- Email: info@hafoundation.org, donorservices@hafoundation.org
- Phone: 707-442-2993
- Website: https://hafoundation.org
Overview
Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation is a major community foundation serving Northern California and Southern Oregon. In 2024, the foundation awarded $10.4 million in grants through 2,003 individual grants, plus an additional $967,000 in scholarships. The foundation's mission is to "promote and encourage generosity, leadership and inclusion to strengthen our communities." They focus on four strategic goals: Racial Equity, Thriving Youth & Families, Healthy Ecosystems & Environments, and A Just Economy & Economic Development.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Summer Youth Partnership Grant Program: Supporting youth programs and services
- Native Cultures Fund: Supporting Indigenous artists and culture bearers
- Holiday Funding Partnership: Seasonal support for community needs
- Disaster Response & Resilience Fund: Emergency and recovery funding
- Scholarship Program: $967,000 awarded in 2024
Priority Areas
- Racial Equity initiatives
- Youth and family services
- Environmental conservation and ecosystem health
- Economic development and workforce initiatives
- Arts and cultural preservation, particularly Indigenous cultures
- Disaster preparedness and response
What They Don't Fund
[Specific exclusions not available from research]
Governance and Leadership
- CEO: Sara Dronkers
- Board Chair: Charleen Jordan
- The foundation maintains a diverse board of directors committed to community representation
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Contact the foundation directly for specific application procedures. Different programs may have varying application methods and requirements.
Decision Timeline
[Specific timelines not available from research]
Success Rates
The foundation awarded 2,003 grants in 2024, demonstrating significant grant-making activity, though specific success rates were not available.
Reapplication Policy
[Information not available from research]
Application Success Factors
Based on the foundation's strategic priorities, successful applications should:
- Align with one or more of the four strategic goals
- Demonstrate clear community benefit for the service region
- Show measurable impact potential
- Address equity and inclusion considerations
- Build community resilience and capacity
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- Focus on alignment with the foundation's four strategic goals: Racial Equity, Thriving Youth & Families, Healthy Ecosystems & Environments, and A Just Economy & Economic Development
- Emphasize local community impact within their four-county service area
- Consider partnership opportunities with other local organizations
- Highlight equity and inclusion components in your proposal
- Contact the foundation directly for program-specific requirements and deadlines
- The foundation has substantial resources with over $10 million in annual grant-making
References
- Humboldt Area Foundation official website: https://hafoundation.org (accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar profile for Humboldt Area Foundation (EIN: 23-7310660): https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-7310660 (accessed January 2026)
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