Request for Proposals (RFP) to the William A. and Theresa N. Boughn Fund
Napa Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) is pleased to invite proposals for the inaugural grant cycle of the William A. and Theresa N. Boughn Fund, established to improve the lives of Napa County residents with developmental disabilities.
The Fund was created through a generous bequest from the Boughn family in honor of their daughter, Melissa Ann Boughn, who lived with developmental disabilities and spent nearly four decades as a resident of Vine Village. Through this legacy, the family entrusted NVCF with supporting charitable organizations that provide residential care, assistance, and related services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Napa County.
The Foundation seeks proposals by September 30, 2026, from nonprofit organizations providing direct services that improve the quality of life, independence, health, safety, and inclusion of Napa County residents with developmental disabilities. In keeping with the Boughn family’s wishes, the Foundation will invest in organizations that help Napa County residents with developmental disabilities lead safe, healthy, self-determined, and meaningful lives. We believe that transformative impact comes through consistent, long-term support that honors the dignity, potential, and unique needs of every individual.
Grant Amounts and Types
- Organizations with annual operating budgets of $1 million or more may request up to $50,000.
- Organizations with budgets under $1 million may request up to $25,000.
Awards are based on organizational size, demonstrated need, proposal strength, and funds available.
Grant requests may not exceed 20% of an organization’s total annual operating budget (for example, an organization with $50,000 in annual operating expenses may request up to $10,000).
NVCF welcomes both unrestricted general operating support requests and program-specific proposals. We recognize that strong organizations are essential to achieving lasting community impact.
Eligibility differs by type of request: General operating support is intended for organizations for which serving people with developmental disabilities is a primary purpose and a substantial part of their ongoing work. Organizations with a broader mission may apply for support of a specific program that is substantially dedicated to serving people with developmental disabilities. See eligibility requirements below.
Applicants must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) public charity, have a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor (letter required), or be a public agency/governmental entity under IRC Section 170(c)(1).Serve Napa County residents with developmental disabilities in Napa County.
- For purposes of this grant program, “developmental disability” means a substantial disability that originates before age 18, is expected to continue indefinitely, and is attributable to intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, or another disabling condition closely related to intellectual disability or requiring similar services and supports. This definition is based on California’s Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Welfare & Institutions Code § 4512). Applicants are not required to demonstrate that individuals served are Regional Center clients.
- Provide residential care, supportive services, community-based or therapeutic services, independent living or employment supports, family supports, recreation, transportation, or other services that improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Organizations seeking general operating support must demonstrate that serving people with developmental disabilities is a significant focus of the organization’s work. At least 60% of the organization’s programs or services must primarily serve people with developmental disabilities.
- Organizations that do not meet the above threshold may apply for support of a specific program or service. The proposed program must be intentionally designed to serve people with developmental disabilities, and at least 60% of the individuals participating in or benefiting from the program must be people with developmental disabilities. This requirement is intended to ensure that funding supports programs substantially focused on this population, rather than broader programs that happen to include a small number of people with developmental disabilities.
- For either general operating or program-specific requests, the proposed funding must meaningfully benefit Napa County residents with developmental disabilities.
- Meet NVCF’s general grant eligibility requirements found on our website.
Priority may be given to organizations that:
- Provide person-centered services that promote dignity, self-determination, independence, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to participate and contribute in community life.
- Provide residential care, housing supports, or independent living services.
- Increase access to healthcare, behavioral health, employment, recreation, transportation, or daily living supports.
- Support families and caregivers.
- Address unmet or emerging community needs.
- Demonstrate strong organizational effectiveness, collaboration, and long-term sustainability.
- Requests exceeding the maximum and/or requests representing more than 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget.
- Capital campaigns.
- Multi-year grant requests.
- Scholarships or direct financial assistance to individuals.
- Regranting organizations.
- Research projects or research-focused proposals. While research may be considered in future grant cycles, the inaugural grant cycle is focused on direct services and supports that benefit Napa County residents with developmental disabilities.
Application Process
Submit a proposal narrative addressing the questions in the proposal narrative, along with required attachments, by September 30, 2026 to GrantsTeam@napavalleycf.org .
We aim to be accessible — reach out before submitting to discuss eligibility and project fit: Julia DeNatale, Chief Impact Officer, julia@napavalleycf.org, 707-254-9565 x16.
Funding Decisions
We may request additional information, a site visit, or a phone interview, and may contact partner agencies. Funding decisions will be communicated no later than November 14, 2026. Recommendations are informed by an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee with expertise in developmental disabilities and approved through NVCF’s Community Programs & Grants Committee.
Grant Reporting Requirements
Grantees submit a brief final report (due approximately one year after the award; exact date and report guidelines specified in the grant letter) covering: how funds were used, number of Napa County residents served, outcomes achieved, and lessons learned/future plans.