Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County
Growing Agricultural Education for Future Generations
Supporting
Educating
Informing
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.
$1.5M+
Awarded in scholarships since 2006
551
Scholarship recipients since 2006
$150k+
Awarded in Agriculture Education grants
Scholarship Program
The Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County Scholarship Program was organized to aid students who desire to pursue a career in the agricultural industry. Scholarships are awarded annually based on academic achievement, career goals, extracurricular activities, determination, leadership skills, and a commitment to study agriculture.
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.
Deadline December 31, 2023
Farm Bureau Foundation Board
The Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County Board of Directors are appointed to serve in capacities that support and advance the mission of Sonoma County Farm Bureau in its efforts to educate and inform young people and community leaders about the important role agriculture plays in the economy of Sonoma County and the North Bay region. The board designs and oversees philanthropic mechanisms that are used to preserve Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage through student scholarships, educational programs and outreach in urban and rural communities.
BJ Bertacco
President
Mark Stapp
Vice President
Sally Manoukian
Treasurer
John Bidia
Steve Dutton
Benjamin Goldstein
Jeff James
Karissa Kruse
Brent Young
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 2023, through the generosity of donors like you, Farm Bureau Foundation was able to award $203,500 in scholarships to deserving students studying agriculture.
New donors of $2,500 or more will have the option to create a named scholarship in the name of their business or in honor of someone special.