Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund
The Fund was established to support social service nonprofit organizations that respond to the essential needs of working families and vulnerable communities in Napa County and provide programs that positively impact the social determinants of health.
Help us keep Napa Valley’s safety net strong—donate today
Local nonprofits that help Napa Valley families with food, housing, and health care are facing sudden and severe funding cuts—just as more people need their help. That’s why we created the Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund: to provide critical grants to the organizations working hardest to support our most vulnerable neighbors. We’re close to our $2.5 million goal, and with your help, we can raise the final $300,000 to keep these vital services going strong. Please consider making a gift today. Every dollar helps.
Donate NowRequest for Proposals (RFP) to Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund
Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) invites qualified 501(c)3 organizations to apply for funding from the Elaine Jones Safety Net Fund.
The application process opens on May 5, 2025, and proposals must be submitted on or before June 20, 2025.
Grants or bridge loans will be for general operating support and may be coupled with optional capacity building/technical assistance grants designed to strengthen applicant organizations, with a maximum funding amount for all areas totaling $150,000.
The Fund is managed by NVCF and is a partnership between NVCF and Napa Valley Vintners. It offers the following funding opportunities:
General Operating Support Grants: Up to $100,000 for one year, based on organizational budget and demonstrated funding gaps.
Capacity Building Grants: One-time grants of up to $50,000 to strengthen internal systems and sustainability.
Bridge Loans: 0% interest loans of up to $100,000 to address temporary cash flow issues caused by delayed (but not reduced) government funding. These are one-year, no-interest loans.
Definition of “Safety Net” Sector
Includes nonprofits that provide direct services meeting the essential physiological, safety and security needs of Napa County individuals or families. Essential needs are defined as resources that promote health, wellness, safety and belonging.
Organizations working deeply or primarily in the areas below are eligible for one-year general operating support grants as well as one-time capacity building grants:
- Childcare assistance
- Economic stability
- Disability assistance
- Food security
- Health care access
- Legal support
- Mental health support
- Rental and housing assistance
- Support for survivors of abuse.
How to Apply
To be considered for funding, your organization must submit a grant proposal narrative using the Grant Application Guidelines and all supporting documents via email to GrantsTeam@napavalleycf.org by June 20, 2025.
We encourage communication and are happy to answer any questions or discuss proposals prior to submission. If you need anything, please contact Julia DeNatale, Vice President of Community Impact at julia@napavalleycf.org or 707-254-9565 x 16.
An optional information session will be held via Zoom on Thursday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. Please email julia@napavalleycf.org to request a link before Friday, May 9.
Download the Grant GuidelinesAbout Elaine Jones
Elaine Maria Jones (1953-2024) was a champion for local nonprofits who devoted countless volunteer hours to improving the quality of life for all residents of the Valley. Among other roles, she was a Board member of the UpValley Family Centers and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation and served on committees for Napa Valley Community Foundation and Collective Napa Valley. Even as she bravely battled the recurrence of cancer, she fully participated in guiding the work of the organizations with which she was associated. With a unique combination of creativity, humor, and fundraising skills, she poured her passion for helping others into every endeavor and leaves behind a legacy of community service that may go unmatched for years to come. Elaine’s Fund is a partnership between Napa Valley Community Foundation, Napa Valley Vintners and dozens of individual givers – all of whom greatly admired Elaine and miss her peerless presence in the Valley.
Elaine and Rick Jones stand together in a vineyard at Jones Family Jones Family Vineyards