FY 2021-2022 SONOMA COUNTY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND PROGRAM

SONOMA COUNTY COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND PROGRAM
           REQUEST FOR FUNDING APPLICATION FOR
   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
                      FY 2021-2022

The County of Sonoma, through the Community Investment Fund Program, provides funding for projects
and initiatives that stimulate the county’s economic vitality by providing programs and services that support
our tourism industry. The Economic Development Board (EDB) oversees two areas of grant funding:

Visitors Centers:
Visitors centers serving unincorporated areas of Sonoma County or who provide countywide services may
apply for this grant. Visitors centers that receive funding are expected to provide a uniform, wide range of
information for county attractions, accommodations and activities, as well as provide a consistent level of
customer service throughout the county. Some of the items required of the participating visitors centers
include using standardized signage such as the “i” information sign, participating in County-sponsored staff
trainings, distributing Sonoma County literature, and providing general customer service. The centers must
observe standard hours of operation based on the history of visitor patterns and peak seasons. Each center
will provide the EDB with monthly reports of visitor counts, inquiries and activities, as well as financial
reports.

Chambers of Commerce:
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.

A maximum of $350,000 will be made available in fiscal year 2021-2022 for Chambers of Commerce and
Visitors Centers.

How to Apply:
The funding for this application process will cover the time period of July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
Funding awards will be based upon an evaluation of all application materials

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23, 2021.

Applications must be emailed to: CommunityInvestment@sonoma-county.org.

APPLICATION
                                              Section I

Name of Organization:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Contact Person:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

Website Address:

                            Section II – Requested Funding Amount

Total amount of funds requested:

    Visitors Center:                   (Complete Sections III & V)

    Chamber Match:                     (Complete Sections IV & V)

                                   Section III – Visitors Centers

1. Please describe your background and experience in operating visitors centers and providing visitors
   center services.

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2. What are your hours of operation?

3. How many visitors have you served in the last year, and how many do you anticipate to help in the
   upcoming year? (Please attach a detailed monthly breakdown of visitor counts for the past 12 months.)

4. How quickly are you able to respond to written inquiries from the public?

5. As part of the agreement with the County of Sonoma, you are required to have brochure racks with
   promotional literature that are accessible to the public. Do you currently have a place to display
   brochures and if not, how will you acquire one? (Please attach a current or proposed floor plan/photo.)

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6. Please describe how the Center serves the unincorporated areas of the county.

7. Describe how the funds requested would be utilized, if awarded. Keep in mind that County funds
   will only be applied to these expenses.

         Line Item Expenses (e.g. Rent, salaries, utilities, supplies, etc.)        Amount

     Total:                                                                        $ 0.00

8. Will you receive any matching funds in connection with this funding? Please describe sources and
   amounts.

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Part IV – Chambers of Commerce

1. District(s) where requested funding for services will be provided (Check all that apply):

        District 1          District 2           District 3          District 4           District 5

2. Briefly describe how funds would be used, if awarded:

3. The Board of Supervisors wishes to encourage tourism, agriculture, and economic development in the
   County by supporting promotional, community, and cultural activities through the use of Community
   Investment Program funds. Please describe how your chamber will encourage tourism, agriculture,
   community spirit, culture, and/or economic development.

4. Number of visitors anticipated:

5. The above estimates are based on:

6. How will the County of Sonoma, as a sponsor of the organization, be recognized in promotional
   material?

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Part V – Attachments

The following must be included with any application in order to be considered for funding:

   a. Financial Statements – please provide a copy of your organization’s most recent Income
      Statement/Statement of Activities for the prior year.

   b. Current roster of Board of Directors, Officers, and employees.

   c. Copy of Bylaws, if applicable.

SUBMISSION
By signing this grant application, I, as a representative of the applicant organization, agree that if
Community Investment Funds are awarded, applicant organization will contract with the County to furnish
the services as specified, in accordance with this grant application.

Signature of Applicant                                          Date

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