Community Investment Fund Program
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Chambers of Commerce Grant Applications Now Open
Chambers of Commerce serving unincorporated areas of Sonoma County or who provide countywide services may apply for this grant. Chambers located in the unincorporated area of the county and those serving the entire county will be given priority and fully funded prior to funding consideration of municipal Chambers of Commerce. Allocation of funds will be based upon an up to 10% match of membership dues and private cash contributions that are discretionary revenue to the chamber and are not associated with a particular event, function or position.
Per the Community Investment Fund Policy, a maximum of $50,000 will be made available in fiscal year 2025-2026 for these grants.
FY 2025-2026 Chambers of Commerce Grant Application (PDF: 209 KB)
Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Email completed applications and supplemental materials to EDCGrants@sonoma-county.org.
Available Now: Local Events, Organizations, and District Priorities Grants
Per the Community Investment Fund Policy, $500,000 will be allocated annually to events, organizations, and Supervisorial District priorities. The funds available for this category are divided equally among Supervisorial Districts.
The Board of Supervisors invites non-profit organizations to apply for grant funding for local events that will support businesses or enhance culture, and organizations that provide a benefit to the community. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors may award funding to County Departments, to fulfill Supervisorial District priorities. Organizations can submit applications for funding via an online application system.
Link to FY 24-25 Local Events, Organizations, and District Priorities Grant Application
List of FY 23-24 Local Events, Organizations, and District Priorities Grant Recipients (PDF: 472 KB)
About the Program
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors established the Community Investment Fund Program (formerly known as the Advertising Program) in 1986 utilizing Transient Occupancy Tax (Hotel/Motel Tax or Bed Tax) funds. The Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) was established in 1965 and is currently charged at a rate of 12% for accommodations at lodging and camping facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county.
The Community Investment Fund Program utilizes a portion of the TOT to encourage tourism, economic development, community engagement, and community services through a variety of grant award and funding avenues. The Program provides various grants to community non-profits for local events that will support businesses or enhance culture, and organizations that provide a benefit to the community. Additionally, the program provides grants to address impacts on safety due to tourism. The Program also provides funding to the Regional Parks Department, Economic Development Collaborative, the Strategic Initiatives Division, and a number of other county department activities.
In addition, the Board of Supervisors will track and distribute the 3% Measure L increase to TOT separately. The categories for these funds are as follows: Roads Repair and Improvement, Fire Services, Affordable Housing, Code Enforcement and Operator Compliance, Event Facilities Improvements, and the Tourism Impact Fund.
Transient Occupancy Tax Allocation Visual Guide (PDF: 82 KB)
Promotional Material
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Download the County of Sonoma Seals (Zip file: 1.21 MB)
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