In 2006, Silverado Farming Company partners Pete Richmond, Arnulfo Solorio, and Miguel Luna founded the 1% for the Community Fund at NVCF. Eighteen years later, Silverado remains steadfast in its mission: to support local nonprofits that provide essential services to farmworkers and their families.
To date, the Fund has awarded more than $2.2 million in grants. What makes Silverado special is that it is committed to engaging employees in its philanthropy.
Two years ago, the company made it official. A committee comprised of all levels of staff—from administrative to field workers—now runs its annual giving. Meetings are held in English and Spanish, so that every participant has an equal voice in deciding where funds will go.
“I know the committee members, especially field workers and crew leaders, really value having a voice in the room. Maybe historically, they haven’t been given that chance before,” says Dawn Angelosante of Silverado and Chair of the 1% for the Community Committee. Members serve a two-year term, then cycle out, giving more employees the chance to participate.
NVCF’s role is to provide knowledge and expertise.
“We couldn’t do this without NVCF,” Dawn adds. “The Foundation has been exceptional in helping us home in on where funding is needed most. It’s just been a great relationship that’s grown since 2006.”
For Silverado, the 1% program is about more than philanthropy—it’s a company-wide commitment. “It’s always been Pete’s vision—1% of profit goes to this, and all the employees know that. It’s more than just writing a check. It’s giving back to our workers and our community.”
Partner
At Napa Valley Community Foundation we partner with donors who choose to conduct their philanthropy through the Foundation, helping them achieve greater impact with a charitable fund tailored to their goals.