Sign the petition to demand more equitable philanthropic support for local organizations
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Benicia, CA – The Benicia Community Foundation is calling on all concerned residents, donors, community members, policymakers, and corporations to take immediate action to address the critical funding shortfall facing Solano County nonprofits. Despite Solano’s rich contributions to agriculture, national defense, history, and arts and culture, local nonprofits are being severely underfunded compared to neighboring counties.

A recent United Way Bay Area report revealed that, although Solano County makes up nearly 6% of the Bay Area’s population, it receives less than 1% of the region's philanthropic funding—closer to a shocking 0.3% of the Bay Area’s total philanthropic dollars. 

From 2018 to 2020, Bay Area counties collectively received $26.17 billion in philanthropic funding. However, Solano County received only $75 million—a fraction of the total. In comparison, Alameda County received over $6.5 billion, while San Francisco received the largest share at $9.8 billion. On a per capita basis, the gap is even more alarming. Solano County nonprofits received just $168 per capita in charitable funding over the three-year period. Meanwhile, Alameda County nonprofits received $3,929 per capita, and in San Francisco, that figure skyrockets to $11,211 per capita.

To put it in perspective, for every dollar received per person by nonprofits in Solano County, nonprofits in San Francisco are receiving nearly 67 times more. It’s as if one person in San Francisco is getting a cart full of groceries while Solano County residents have to share a single bag. This dramatic disparity makes it nearly impossible for Solano nonprofits to compete, grow, and serve the needs of the community at the same level as their Bay Area counterparts.

"Solano County’s nonprofits are vital to the well-being of our community, yet they operate with a fraction of the resources available in other Bay Area counties," said David Batchelor, Chair of the Benicia Community Foundation. "This funding gap is a barrier to helping our most vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and at-risk youth."

The Benicia Community Foundation is leading a community-wide effort to correct this disparity. They are urging residents to sign a newly launched petition, which aims to raise awareness of the funding gap and demand action from corporations and donors to provide Solano County nonprofits with their fair share of financial support.

Sign the petition here: https://chng.it/S8dT6sGMmn

"With your signature, we can show that our community is united in the fight for fair funding," added Batchelor. "Every signature counts. Together, we can ensure that local nonprofits receive the resources they need to continue serving Solano County."

By signing the petition, you are lending your voice to a movement that seeks to bring much-needed financial support to organizations that make a difference in our community every day. The Benicia Community Foundation also encourages local businesses, civic leaders, and corporations to recognize the importance of investing in Solano County nonprofits to help bridge this funding gap.

In addition to signing the petition, concerned residents can read Benicia Community Foundation’s white paper, which offers detailed insights into the funding disparity and outlines potential solutions. The white paper is available on the Benicia Community Foundation’s website: www.BeniciaCF.org.

​"Solano County has incredible potential. With more equitable funding, we can empower our local nonprofits to thrive and serve our community even better," said Batchelor. "Please, join us in taking action now."

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About Benicia Community Foundation
The Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Benicians by strengthening the city’s economic vitality, enhancing beautification efforts, and building community camaraderie. Visit www.BeniciaCF.org for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Media Contact: Kelsey Bye | (510) 926-0688 | [email protected]

Benicia, CA – In collaboration with the Benicia High School, the Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) is proud to announce a donation of $3,500 for the creation of the new Benicia High School Boosters, a 501c3 non-profit to support the school and its various programs to enhance the sports and educational experience for students and foster a vibrant school community.
The funds will be utilized to support initiatives that benefit the students, including athletic programs, academic clubs, and extracurricular activities. This donation underscores the Benicia Community Foundation's commitment to investing in the future of Benicia's youth and supporting educational excellence.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Benicia Community Foundation for their generous support," said Brianna Kleinschmidt, Principal of Benicia High School. "This funding will make a significant difference in the opportunities we can provide to our students, allowing them to excel in academics, athletics, and the arts.”

Benicia City Councilmember and Benicia High School Booster Board Secretary, Trevor Macenski, added, “Athletic booster programs are essential to building community through sports because they provide vital support for youth athletics, fostering teamwork, discipline, and local pride. These programs unite families, enhance school spirit, and ensure our young athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field. I am thankful for the donation from the BCF for their contribution and the impact it will have on helping Benicia High School sports.”

David Batchelor, Chair of the Benicia Community Foundation, stated, "We are thrilled to support the development of the Benicia High School Boosters and contribute to the success of our local students. Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching the community, and we believe this donation will have a positive impact on the school and its programs."

The Benicia Community Foundation remains committed to supporting local organizations and initiatives that align with its mission of fostering community growth and development. This donation is a testament to the Benicia Community Foundation's ongoing efforts to make a difference in the lives of Benicia residents.

For more information about the Benicia Community Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.beniciacf.org.

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About Benicia Community Foundation
The Benicia Community Foundation is dedicated to proactively improving the lives of Benicians while supporting our community by strengthening the City’s economic vitality, enhancing beautification and building community camaraderie. www.BeniciaCF.org