Impact100 Sonoma Increases 2027 Maximum Grant Amount for

Valley-Serving Nonprofits to $30,000

Application Process to Open November 2

Annual Update by Most Recent Grant Recipients Set for October 22, Open to Public for First Time

SONOMA, Calif. — In 2027, women’s collective giving organization Impact100 Sonoma—one of Sonoma Valley’s largest and most reliable funders—will raise the maximum amount of its Impetus Grants to nonprofits serving local residents from $25,000 to $30,000. The move marks the first increase since the 2021 adoption of the Impetus Grant model. The group also will continue to offer its multi-year Encore Grant, which will give one 2027 Impetus Grant recipient a second grant of the same amount in early 2028.

“I’m delighted that we’re able to raise our grant maximum to $30,000,” said Leslie Blankenship, President of Impact100 Sonoma. “Our expanding membership and our commitment to funding our nonprofit partners to the greatest extent possible have made this increase possible. It reflects both the rising cost of doing business and the continued growth of Impact100 Sonoma, enabling us to put more dollars directly into the hands of the organizations doing essential work in our community.”

The 2027 grant strategy was announced on Sunday afternoon, September 27, during the organization’s Annual Garden Party, which also launched its 2027 membership drive. Every Impact100 Sonoma member makes a one-year, fully tax-deductible minimum donation of $1,200 ($600 for a shared membership), $1,000 of which goes toward grants, and some donate additional funds. The more members, the more money is available to distribute. Member donors must join or renew by December 31, 2026, to vote for 2027 Impetus Grant recipients.

The public can learn more about the organization and the work of its most recently funded 16 nonprofits at the annual Grant Recipients Update Meeting on Thursday, October 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre. “For the first time, everyone is invited to come see women’s collective philanthropy in action—to hear the inspiring stories of our nonprofit partners and learn about the difference they’re making in people’s lives throughout the valley,” said Blankenship. “I guarantee you will leave with a full heart.” Event admission is free. Walk-ins will be welcome, although online registration is appreciated. For more information, visit the Impact100 Sonoma website (www.impact100sonoma.org).

Impetus Grant applications for 2027 will be available on the Impact100 Sonoma website (www.impact100sonoma.org) starting November 2, 2026. The application deadline is January 8, 2027, by 8 p.m. PST. To apply for the Encore Grant, Impetus Grant applicants need only answer a few additional questions on the same form and provide a budget for the second year. The Encore Grant must build upon the same goals as the Impetus Grant proposal. In keeping with the organization’s alternating funding cycle, nonprofits that received Impetus Grants in 2026 will be ineligible to apply in 2027.

Impact100 Sonoma provides core mission funding guided by the principles of “trust-based philanthropy,” which gives recipients discretion in how grant money is spent. Core mission funding covers essential, ongoing operational costs, providing the stability and flexibility needed for valley-serving nonprofits to fulfill their purpose and strengthen the community. “While we are happy to help them establish, expand, or sustain specific programs,” said Alison Thompson, Vice President and Grants Oversight Co-Chair, “we are also proud to fund capacity building, infrastructure costs, and other fundamental expenses that support them in effectively pursuing their missions.” 

In April 2026, Impact100 Sonoma awarded a record $365,000 in Impetus Grants, including the $25,000 Encore Grant—donated by more than 330 members—to 16 nonprofits serving Sonoma Valley. Since its founding in 2009, the group has awarded $$4,740,485 million in local funding. The strategy of disbursing multiple small grants, as opposed to offering fewer large grants, was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues as an ongoing format.

“Through the Impetus Grant model, we encourage participation by a broad cross-section of applicants who serve wide-ranging needs and create meaningful impact throughout the community, helping to build a just and thriving Sonoma Valley,” said Thompson.

An optional Impetus Grant Information Session for interested nonprofits will take place via Zoom on November 5, 2026, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Members of Impact100 Sonoma Grants Oversight and Financial Review Committees will guide attendees through the 2027 application process and answer questions. All are welcome. Invitations are available by contacting info@impact100sonoma.org.

Over the winter, Impact100 Sonoma member teams will evaluate applications, make site visits, and select finalists for presentation to and voting by the full membership in mid April. The 2027 Impetus Grants and Encore Grant will be announced at the Annual Awards Celebration on April 29.

About Impact100 Sonoma: Women Giving As One

Founded in 2009 by Annette Lomont and Christine Dohrmann, Impact100 Sonoma is a women’s philanthropic organization that pools member funds to support nonprofits serving valley residents from Schellville to Kenwood. Its vision is to foster a just and thriving Sonoma Valley by empowering women to invest in a more sustainable nonprofit community through collective giving, responsible stewardship, and active engagement while emphasizing equity in its approach to grantmaking. The first Impact100 chapter in California, Impact100 Sonoma is an affiliate of Impact100 Global and the national Philanos network. Today it has more than 300 members and typically grants more than $300,000 annually. Its cumulative grant total since 2010 of more than $4.7 million and climbing makes it one of the valley’s largest, most reliable funders. Its Community Service Hub, which is open to the public, matches caring locals with grant recipients past and present seeking volunteers, pro-bono services, materials, and other assistance. Impact100 Sonoma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are fully tax-deductible. For more information or to participate, visit www.impact100sonoma.org or write info@impact100sonoma.org

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Photo Caption:

On November 2, Impact100 Sonoma will open the application process for its 2027 Impetus Grants of up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of valley residents. Serving on the organization’s 2026-27 Board of Directors are: (front row, from left) Alison Thompson, Vice President and Grants Oversight Co-Chair; Leslie Blankenship, President; and Stephanie Chakmak, Membership Co-Chair; (back row, from left) Cathy Sisneros Chung, Grants Oversight; Margery Mayer, Governance Chair; Ann Arabian, Membership Co-Chair; Bobbie Collins, Secretary; Kathryn Rakow, Grants Oversight Co-Chair; Beth Daecher, Assistant Treasurer; Cristine McMillan, Communications Chair; Cheryl Shimek, Engagement and Education Chair; and Barbara Insel, Treasurer. (Not pictured: Linda Murphy, Events Chair)