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October 2012 is Endow Sonoma Valley Month!

What is Endow Sonoma Valley Month?

The Sonoma Valley Fund, an affiliate of Community Foundation Sonoma County, was organized some five and a half years ago with a goal of creating a sustainable source of funding for valley non-profit organizations through legacy giving and charitable bequests.  Significant progress has been made but much more has to be done in order to sustain the organizations that support our valley's high quality of life.  In support of our goal, both the Sonoma City Council and Sonoma Board of Supervisors proclaimed October 2012 as Endow Sonoma Valley Month. 

To that end, Sonoma Valley Fund will launch an important legacy gift informational program during October with the following goals:

  • Increase the awareness of legacy giving so that more valley residents will consider leaving a legacy gift to a valley non-profit
  • Provide education for those interested in legacy giving
  • Double the number of valley residents who make a legacy gift commitment to one or more valley non-profits

“Endow Sonoma Valley Month will be built around a month-long series of public events, seminars, and expert panel discussions designed to build increased awareness within Sonoma Valley of the benefits and mechanics of legacy giving.

For Valley residents topics will include estate and tax planning and tips on how to get started in planning for a legacy-giving component within a will or estate plan.

For staff and board members of Sonoma Valley Fund’s non-profit partners and other interested local charitable organizations, experts will address issues dealing with the creation and effective promotion of legacy giving programs. Other events will bring together the Valley’s non-profit organizations to share legacy giving experiences and best practices.

All educational events will be free of charge and will be held in a variety of locations across the valley, including several hosted by community non-profit organizations.  The month will culminate in a celebration of legacy giving event open to all who attended or participated in any of the “Endow the Valley Month” activities. For a complete list of activities, see the chart below.

Quick Guide to Events