Engine For Good
We work side-by-side with local donors and nonprofits to tackle the most important challenges our Valley faces.
Learn More
Every day, we gather generous hearts and bright minds to solve the problems that lie beneath the surface of this beautiful place we call home.
Recent News & Stories
Our 2023-24 Annual Report
Thirty years ago, a Sony Discman qualified as a technological marvel.
The Lion King was raking it in at the box office – decades before we would think to use the words “stream” and “media” in the same sentence.
Meanwhile, here in Napa, a group of civic leaders had the wisdom and the vision to ask: why doesn’t Napa Valley have a community foundation, and what would it take to start one?
This long-ago question not only led to our formation in 1994, but to nearly $106 million in grant distributions and scholarships over the past three decades.
Read our Annual Repot
NVCF 2025 Scholarships OPen January 3-March 6
Napa Valley Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of our 2025 scholarships! Starting January 6, 2025, students across Napa County will have the opportunity to apply for a wide range of scholarships designed to support their educational journeys. Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for college, a Napa Valley College student continuing your studies, or someone pursuing a trade, nursing, or viticulture program, there’s something for everyone. We’re committed to helping students from all walks of life achieve their dreams through education.
Our scholarships cater to a diverse range of students, including veterans, educators, and those learning trades like welding or automotive technology. We also offer support for veterinary and enology students, as well as budding musicians from Calistoga Jr./Sr. High Schools. By addressing the unique needs of our community, we aim to provide resources that remove financial barriers and open doors to bright futures.
Applications will close on March 3, 2025, don’t forget to review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. For more details, visit our scholarship page.
Learn More & Apply
Navigating Napa’s Future: Insights from Our Town Hall on the General Plan
How will Napa County grow and evolve over the next decade? That was the central question at our recent Town Hall Event, where urban planning expert John Rahaim shared insights on the challenges and requirements of updating our General Plan.
Our speaker, John Rahaim, who has extensive experience in urban planning and design, explained the state’s requirements for a general plan, which includes nine mandatory elements such as housing, safety, and circulation.
John, former planning director for the City and County of San Francisco (2008 to 2020), provided an in-depth look at the General Planning process in California. He explained that every county’s General Plan must include nine key elements—such as housing, safety, and circulation—but noted that state requirements are making these plans more detailed than ever before.
“On the one hand, when you think about it, if you keep it high level, it won’t take as long, and you’ll get more community consensus, but it might be so high level that it’s meaningless. And that’s the tension.”