The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation was founded in 1993 as a way of creating an alternative funding method for community schools. Led by director Laura Zimmerman, the foundation seeks to enhance education by providing resources and funding for educational activities that go beyond the bare bones of curriculum requirements. Through a mixture of grants, fundraisers and independent donations, they fund teacher training, empowerment and enrichment curriculum, extracurricular activities such as field trips, and a science collaboration with San Francisco's Exploratorium.
Recently, the Foundation launched a technology and multimedia training program to allow teachers to gain experience through an independent project during the summer months. The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation maintains a wide roster of volunteers. Community members interested in donating for volunteering can find information on their website, or contact the foundation via phone during business hours.