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Community Foundation of the Napa Valley

Annual Giving
$6.8M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Community Foundation of the Napa Valley (Napa Valley Community Foundation)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.75 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $83 million
  • Grant Range: $350 - $100,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: Napa County, California
  • Established: 1994
  • Tax ID: 68-0349777
  • Staff Size: 12 employees
  • Charity Navigator Rating: 4/4 Stars (100% score)

Contact Details

Address: 3299 Claremont Way, Suite 4, Napa, CA 94558

Phone: (707) 254-9565

Extension for Grants: (707) 254-9565 ext. 16

Website: www.napavalleycf.org

Email:

Key Contact: Ellen Drayton, Manager of Grants Administration & Scholarships

Overview

Founded in 1994 with 70 initial participants at ZD Wines, the Community Foundation of the Napa Valley (operating as Napa Valley Community Foundation or NVCF) has grown into a significant philanthropic force in Napa County. Over its 30-year history, the foundation has distributed more than $106 million to dozens of nonprofits across Napa Valley. With $83 million in assets under management, NVCF operates as both a public charity and grantmaking foundation, serving as Napa Valley's "engine for good."

The foundation's mission is to mobilize resources, promote philanthropy, and provide leadership on vital community issues in Napa County. As President & CEO Terence Mulligan describes it: "It's really to mobilize resources and solve problems at the local level. We use money to try to improve the quality of life for everybody in the valley." The foundation maintains remarkably low administrative costs of just 3.75% of its total budget, ensuring that 95% of donations go directly to grantees.

In recent years, NVCF has distributed between $6 and $11 million annually in grants and scholarships. In 2024 alone, the foundation awarded $6,751,873 in grants across 424 individual awards. The foundation's central focus remains connecting donors with local charitable needs while expanding into critical areas including disaster relief, immigrant legal services, and affordable housing initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund

  • General support grants: Up to $100,000
  • Capacity-building grants: Up to $50,000
  • Focus: Core social service organizations facing funding challenges
  • Application timing: Applications accepted in late May; grants issued July/August
  • More information: www.napavalleycf.org/safetynet

David and Jane Gotelli Family Fund (Animal Welfare)

  • Grant amounts: Up to $30,000
  • Distributed $861,000 since 2020
  • Focus: Small animal health and welfare, shelter and adoption support, medical services, community education
  • Serves local nonprofits and animal agencies in Napa County

Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund

  • Established with $10 million lead gift from Napa Valley Vintners (2014)
  • Has distributed over $25 million for disaster relief and recovery
  • Provides emergency assistance ranging from $50 to $7,500 for individuals
  • Supports nonprofit agencies providing disaster-related services

Scholarship Programs

  • Total distributed: $516,078 in 2025 to 113 students (124 total scholarships)
  • Award range: $350 to $10,000
  • 80% of recipients are First-Generation College Students
  • Application deadline: March 6
  • Application portal: NapaValleyCF.org/im-a-student/scholarship-opportunities
  • Contact: scholarships@napavalleycf.org

Discretionary Grantmaking Portfolio

  • Board-directed contributions to priority organizations
  • Major beneficiaries include UpValley Family Services, On the Move, Immigration Institute of the Bay Area, Napa Humane, and the ADU Center

Priority Areas

  1. Safety Net Social Services: Childcare assistance, food security, mental health support, legal services, healthcare access, economic stability, housing assistance

  2. Disaster Relief and Recovery: Emergency response, rebuilding efforts, prevention programs, support for fire and earthquake victims

  3. Immigrant Legal Services: Citizenship assistance (helped 2,300+ immigrants gain citizenship), legal aid for immigrants

  4. Affordable Housing: Support for Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) development through loan guarantees and technical assistance via the Napa Sonoma ADU Center

  5. Education: Scholarships for high school seniors, college students, teachers, veterans, healthcare students, vineyard/winery workers

  6. Animal Welfare: Small animal health and welfare, shelter support, adoption services

What They Don't Fund

While the foundation supports a broad range of causes serving Napa County residents, specific exclusions were not detailed in available materials. Applicants should confirm eligibility for specific grant programs by contacting the foundation directly or reviewing program-specific guidelines.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Terence Mulligan, President & CEO (since February 2004)

  • Compensation: $244,237 (per tax filing)
  • Previously served three years at Peninsula Community Foundation in Silicon Valley
  • Under his leadership, NVCF has distributed over $106 million
  • Quote: "Our region's safety net organizations are facing significant and sudden funding challenges at a time when demand for their services is increasing."

Sandy Fasold, Chief Financial Officer

  • Compensation: $145,225 (per tax filing)

Julia DeNatale, Vice President of Community Impact

  • Compensation: $136,884 (per tax filing)

Board Leadership

Dawnine Dyer, Board Chair

Pete Richmond, Co-Vice Chair

Recent Board Additions (July 2025): Patricia Clarey and Dr. Richard Anderson, bringing extensive experience in public service, philanthropy, and finance

Governance Practices

The foundation maintains strong governance policies including:

  • Formal orientation for new board members
  • Written agreements for board members regarding roles and responsibilities
  • Conflict of interest policies
  • Whistleblower policies
  • Document retention policies
  • Independent governing body (majority of board members are independent)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application processes vary by grant program:

For Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund:

  • Applications accepted starting late May
  • Visit www.napavalleycf.org/safetynet for guidelines and application portal
  • First round of grants issued in July/August
  • Contact: (707) 254-9565 ext. 16

For Scholarships:

  • Online universal application at NapaValleyCF.org/im-a-student/scholarship-opportunities
  • FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application required for some opportunities
  • Application deadline: March 6
  • Contact: scholarships@napavalleycf.org or (707) 254-9565

For General Grant Inquiries:

For Donor-Advised Fund Recommendations:

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by program:

  • Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund: Applications in late May, decisions and grants issued by July/August
  • Scholarships: Application deadline March 6; awards announced later in spring
  • Other Programs: Timelines not publicly specified; contact foundation directly

Success Rates

In 2024, NVCF made 424 grant awards totaling $6,751,873. Specific acceptance rates for individual programs are not publicly available. The foundation emphasizes working closely with organizations that have "a strong track record in Napa County" and demonstrate clear financial need.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies vary by program and were not specifically detailed in available materials. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly to discuss future funding opportunities after an application cycle.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Strong Napa County Connection

The foundation serves Napa County exclusively. Applications should clearly articulate the organization's track record and impact within the county. NVCF looks for organizations deeply embedded in the local community.

Show Financial Need and Increased Demand

Particularly for the Safety Net Fund, CEO Terence Mulligan emphasized that eligible organizations must demonstrate financial challenges "due to decreased government or philanthropic funding and/or increased client demand." Quantify both the funding gap and increased service needs.

Align with Core Safety Net Services

Priority goes to organizations addressing essential needs: childcare assistance, food security, mental health support, legal services, healthcare access, economic stability, and housing assistance. Clearly connect your work to these fundamental community needs.

Focus on Capacity Building with Clear ROI

For capacity-building grants (up to $50,000), NVCF funds "outside consultants or systems/software investments." Successful applications should clearly articulate how investments in strategic planning, board governance, or financial management systems will strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Emphasize Efficiency and Impact

With 95% of donations going directly to grantees and only 3.75% spent on administration, NVCF values efficiency. Demonstrate how your organization maximizes impact per dollar and maintains lean operations.

Connect to Disaster Resilience

Given NVCF's significant investment in disaster relief (over $25 million distributed), organizations working in disaster preparedness, response, or recovery may find alignment, particularly those serving vulnerable populations during emergencies.

Recent Grantee Examples

Major discretionary grants have supported:

  • UpValley Family Services (disaster relief and recovery)
  • On the Move (disaster relief and recovery)
  • Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (legal services)
  • Napa Humane (animal welfare)
  • ADU Center (affordable housing)
  • Brannan Center ($5 million grant)
  • Monarch Justice Center ($200,000 grant)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic specificity is essential: NVCF serves Napa County exclusively. Applications must demonstrate clear local impact and a strong track record in the community.

  • Focus on basic needs: The foundation prioritizes organizations providing fundamental safety net services. Frame your work in terms of essential community needs rather than innovative or experimental programs.

  • Financial transparency matters: With 95% of donations going to programs, NVCF values efficiency. Be transparent about funding challenges and demonstrate responsible fiscal management.

  • Timing varies by program: The Safety Net Fund has specific application windows (late May), while other opportunities may be ongoing. Contact the foundation early to understand timing for your specific need.

  • Capacity building is valued: Don't overlook the opportunity for capacity-building grants (up to $50,000) to strengthen organizational infrastructure, particularly for strategic planning or governance improvements.

  • Relationship-driven philanthropy: As both a community foundation and philanthropic advisor, NVCF works closely with donors and nonprofits. Building a relationship with foundation staff, particularly Ellen Drayton, can provide valuable guidance beyond a single application.

  • Think beyond one-time grants: With $83 million in assets and multiple funding streams (discretionary grants, donor-advised funds, special programs), there may be multiple pathways to support. Discuss various options with foundation staff.

References

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