Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County
Growing Agricultural Education for Future Generations
The Foundation maintains an ongoing development program for individual and corporate sponsorships, various donations including but not limited to, monetary, real and personal property and in-kind donations. There are many different reasons why friends and supporters of Sonoma County Farm Bureau provide charitable contributions to the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County. Some give because of ideological commitment, some because of a desire to support local agriculture. Still, others give out of compassion for the educational needs of our youth. Gifts to the Foundation provide support to the Agricultural Education programs of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau.
Community Programs
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, Santa Rosa Junior College students or continuing four-year college students.
Ag Ed Grants
We are proud to administer a grant program utilizing funds contributed by the Alvin James Hansen Foundation to support agriculture education.
Gold Cup Award
Sonoma County Fair outstanding exhibitor award based on leadership, citizenship, character, 4-H or FFA project work, academic achievement and communication skills.
$2.0M+
Awarded in scholarships since 2006
702
Scholarship recipients since 2006
$200k+
Awarded in Agriculture Education grants
Gold Cup Award
The Gold Cup Award, presented annually by the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County, honors the Outstanding Exhibitor at the Sonoma County Fair. This prestigious award recognizes youth who demonstrate exceptional leadership, citizenship, character, 4-H or FFA project work, academic achievement, and communication skills.
The award includes a $2,500 scholarship to support the recipient’s continued education, along with a $500 cash award to their 4-H Club or FFA Chapter—celebrating both individual achievement and the strength of local youth agricultural programs.
Application Information
Application Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026
Finalists will participate in an oral interview at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau office (3589 Westwind Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA).
How to Apply
Download and complete the 2026 Gold Cup Award Application, gather the required materials, and submit by the deadline. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Scholarship Program
The Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County Scholarship Program supports students who are passionate about pursuing careers in agriculture. Each year, scholarships are awarded to deserving students who demonstrate academic excellence, clear career goals, active involvement in extracurricular activities, strong leadership, determination, and a commitment to advancing the future of agriculture.
2026 Scholarship Program Application
Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarship
Wilson Artisan Wines Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship
Ag Education Grant Program
The Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County is proud to administer a grant program utilizing funds contributed by the Alvin James Hansen Foundation to support agriculture education. Grant requests can be made for programs and projects that further agriculture education, especially efforts that further youth education in agriculture.
The type of grants to be awarded vary, and may include equipment purchases, educational program funding, school farm projects, brick and mortar projects or matching grant requests. Any request that supports the mission of this grant will be considered.
Minimum Grant Funding Per Application: $500 per application
Maximum Grant Funding Per Application: $15,000
Applicants can include a diverse range of agricultural organizations from small grassroots groups to well-established educational organizations. Those involved with agriculture, agriculture literacy, and agricultural education are encouraged to apply.
Preference will be given to new applicants, although previous grantees are not ineligible to apply for another grant for a different purpose than the previously awarded funding.
If applicants have any questions about eligibility, project parameters or regarding any of the following requirements and considerations, we encourage contacting Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County staff to discuss your proposed idea.
Farm Bureau Foundation Board
The Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County Board of Directors is dedicated to advancing the mission of Sonoma County Farm Bureau by fostering understanding of agriculture’s vital role in our local economy and community. Through their leadership, the board develops and guides philanthropic efforts that preserve Sonoma County’s agricultural heritage, providing scholarships, educational programs, and outreach that connect both rural and urban audiences with the story of local farming.
Mark Stapp
President
Steve Dutton
Treasurer
Dayna Ghirardelli
Secretary
BJ Bertacco
Heidi Mickelson
Norm Yenni
John Bidia
Connor Murphy
Dr. Stephanie Larson, Ph.D.
Jena Cramer
Ryan Stapleton
Donate
Support the Farm Bureau Foundation’s scholarships and agricultural education programs and invest in the future of Sonoma County agriculture. Help us provide scholarships and agricultural education programs to deserving young men and women from Sonoma County who want to study agriculture. Your contribution will go a long way in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders and preserving Sonoma County’s rich farming heritage.
In 2025, through the generosity of donors like you, Farm Bureau Foundation was able to award $152,000 in scholarships to deserving students studying agriculture.
New donors of $2,000 or more will have the option to create a named scholarship in the name of their business or in honor of someone special.