FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/10/25
Media Contacts:
Katelyn Willoughby, Director of Marketing & Communications
707.890.8876
or
Linda Jacobs, CEO
415.448.0300
CVNL Announces Call for Nominations for the
6th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Awards (TM)
Where Volunteers, Nonprofits, and Leaders Shine.
Nominations are open through Friday, January 9, 2026, at midnight.
SONOMA COUNTY, 12/10/2025 – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 6th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Awards, the county’s premier event celebrating the nonprofit leaders, organizations, and volunteers who make our community stronger. Each year, this inspiring event shines a light on the extraordinary people and programs advancing the health, equity, and well-being of Sonoma County.
$35,000 in award funds will be distributed across eight categories, offering the community a meaningful opportunity to honor those driving positive, lasting change. The Presenting Sponsor for the 6th Annual Heart of Sonoma County Awards is Comerica Bank. Northern California Public Media proudly returns as Media Sponsor.
“While we stay mindful of the challenges facing our region, state, and nation, it’s local action that creates the most immediate and meaningful impact,” said Linda Jacobs, CEO of CVNL. “The Heart of Sonoma County Awards celebrates the leaders, volunteers, and organizations who are making a real difference right here in our community.”
Nominations are now open in the following award categories:
- Lifetime Achievement (sponsored by Redwood Credit Union)
- Excellence in Leadership (sponsored by Medtronic)
- Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
- Corporate Community Service
- Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by PG&E)
- Excellence in Board Leadership (sponsored by Acrisure)
- Youth Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by the Peter E. Haas Jr. Family Fund)
- Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Kaiser Permanente)
Nominations can be submitted online at: https://cvnl.org/heart-of-sonoma-county/. Self-nominations are welcome, and individuals or organizations may submit nominations in multiple categories.
For sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, please contact:
Linda Jacobs, CEO, CVNL – ljacobs@cvnl.org.
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About CVNL
Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with leaders and volunteers every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers including Learning & Leadership programs and trainings, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa™ and Heart of Sonoma County™ events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include the Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Paratransit. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Solano Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders and volunteers, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.
