Our Nonprofit Partner Program is an outreach program of the Center. Each year since 2004 twelve nonprofit partners have been selected from nominations submitted by individuals in our spiritual community. Nonprofits may not nominate themselves. Nominations are received in the fall of each year.
A committee meets to review the nominations to make sure they have a nonprofit tax ID number and to ensure that the mission of the nonprofit is harmonious with the values and teachings of the Center. From the nominations, twelve are selected.
Each month, the Center sends a check to each of our 12 nonprofit partners. One-quarter of our annual 10% tithe money is set aside for our Nonprofit Partner Program.
The benefits of the program include connecting the individual givers of our community with programs in the world that resonate with our Center’s teaching, as well as continuing education for our community about ongoing good work being done in the world and the opportunities to volunteer for these organizations. Rather than duplicate the work already conducted by these organizations, we align ourselves with them and support their efforts in the world.
The Nonprofit Program selection process is not compelled by need, but by resonance with the teaching of our Center. In other words, we do not select organizations because they are underfunded, but because they are doing work in the world that leads to individual empowerment, expressions of compassion, sharing of resources where needed, the support of art and aesthetics, as well as other ideals expressed in the Global Vision of Centers for Spiritual Living.
Our nonprofit partners become a second family to us. We are connected spiritually with others who are doing good work in the world. We are truly living our principle of circulation and know this when our partners testify to the work they do as a result of our contributions. We are deeply grateful to our wonderful community for supporting our Center and these wonderful organizations.
2022 NONPROFIT PARTNERS (SEE BELOW FOR 2023 NONPROFIT PARTNERS)
Becoming Independent, helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live meaningful and productive lives. www.becomingindependent.org
Carbon Cycle Institute, working to stop and reverse global climate change. www.carboncycle.org
The Climate Center, proposing policies to accelerate equitable climate action. www.theclimatecenter.org
Daily Acts, promoting transformative actions that create connected, equitable, and climate resilient communities. www.dailyacts.org
Environmental Protection Information Center, combining public education, citizen advocacy, and strategic litigation to protect and restore Northwest California’s forests. www.wildcalifornia.org
Fibershed, developing systems from soil to soil, where textiles are grown, processed, designed, sewn, sold, worn, and eventually composted. www.fibershed.org
Home for Success Program, St. Vincent de Paul, a stable home for four college students, who have been in foster care, and access to an onsite, live-in mentor coach for additional support. www.svdp-sonoma.org/home-for-success
Landpaths. promoting the belief that everyone belongs in nature, and that stewarding the land together builds a stronger, healthier community. www.landpaths.org
6th Street Playhouse, offering classes for all ages and abilities to foster joy in all aspects of the performing arts. www.6thstreetplayhouse.com
Sonoma Applied Village Services (SAVS), providing outreach, meal preparation and delivery, and assistance for acquiring permanent housing for the unsheltered in Sonoma County. www.sonomavillages.org
Sonoma Land Trust, acquiring land and conservation easements for wildlife, recreation, and outdoor activities. www.sonomalandtrust.org
Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, restoring and protecting Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Austin Creek State Recreation Area, and Sonoma Coast State Park. www.stewardscr.org
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2023 NONPROFIT PARTNERS
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) – Volunteers who establish stable relationships with foster children to make informed decisions to the court on their behalf.
Days for Girls International – Helping women and girls in developing countries around the world to shatter stigmas and limitations in their lives due to their menstrual cycle.
Food for Thought Food Bank – Providing healing nutrition and compassion to thousands of people living with serious medical conditions in Sonoma County.
Forget-Me-Not Farm – Helping at-risk children and youth break the cycle of abuse through animal-assisted and horticultural therapeutic activities.
Interfaith Shelter Network – Providing homeless families and individuals with rapid rehousing and services that include tenant counseling, financial assistance, psychotherapy, and case management.
Jewish Community Free Clinic – Free health care, medications, and lab services to anyone in need.
Nuestra Comunidad – Dedicated to improving the health, safety, and well-being of the community through emergency services awareness, youth leadership programs, and meetings that promote mental and physical health.
Petaluma People Services – Hands-on, face-to-face support for children, adults, and seniors that includes counseling, job placement, gang prevention, daily hot meals, and rides to the doctor.
Project Quetzal – Improving the lives of indigenous families in rural Guatemala through education, nutrition, and projects for economic development.
Redwood Empire Food Bank – Distributing food to partner organizations in Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties for the benefit of individuals, families, seniors, and children.
Sonoma County Acts of Kindness – Providing meals and other basic necessities to those in our community without a permanent roof over their heads.
Sonoma Family Meal – Creating meals, from locally sourced ingredients and rescued perishables, for families and seniors experiencing food insecurity.
