Get Involved
How you can be part of this work.
Sonoma Valley Commons is in its early stages, and community involvement shapes everything we build. Below are the most meaningful ways to help right now.
Want to support our work financially?
Philanthropic capital is the engine that makes our acquisition and preservation work possible. We need it at two levels: organizational support to fund staff and operations in our early years, and deal-level capital in the form of gifts or patient loans that provide the down payment for property acquisitions.
If you are interested in making a gift, a charitable loan, or a program-related investment, we would love to talk. Even a conversation about what kinds of housing outcomes matter most to you helps us design programs that reflect genuine community priorities.
Note: Our tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) is pending IRS approval. Contributions may be tax-deductible retroactively if our exemption is approved, but deductibility cannot be guaranteed until that determination is made.
Have relevant expertise to share?
We are actively looking for real estate attorneys, CPAs, property managers, architects, contractors, and financial advisors willing to volunteer time as we evaluate deals and build our organization. Early-stage nonprofits depend heavily on people who are willing to contribute their expertise before there is a budget to pay for it. If that is you, please reach out.
Own a small apartment building?
If you own a four to nine-unit building and have been thinking about what happens to it when you are ready to step back, we would love to have a conversation. Many longtime owners find that a charitable sale to a nonprofit works out as well financially as a full-price sale, while also ensuring their tenants are protected and their property continues to serve the community.
A charitable sale works like this: you sell to us below the appraised market value, and the difference is treated as a charitable contribution. That deduction can offset a significant portion of your tax liability, sometimes making your after-tax proceeds equivalent to or better than a higher-priced sale to a private buyer. You would also avoid capital gains tax on the donated portion. The deduction can be spread across up to six tax years.
There is no obligation in talking with us. We are happy to walk through how the numbers might work for your specific situation, in confidence, before you make any decision.
Own a home with space for an ADU?
If you have a backyard, garage, or underused space and have thought about adding a rental unit, we can help you figure out whether it is feasible and what it would take. Through our partnerships, we can connect you with free feasibility consultations, pre-reviewed building plans, and financing options that count projected rental income when determining whether you qualify for a construction loan.
Building an ADU typically costs between $250,000 and $330,000 in Sonoma Valley, but the rental income it generates can cover much of that cost over time. And if you commit to renting at rates a teacher or healthcare worker can afford, you may be eligible for additional grant support to cover upfront permit and design costs.
Want to stay informed?
We are still in the design phase, and community input shapes what we build. Sign up for our mailing list to follow our progress, weigh in on our plans, and hear about upcoming community events.