The Napa Chamber of Commerce has formed a non-profit 501(c)(3) affiliate, The Napa Chamber of Commerce Foundation, whose purpose is to support and advance the educational, cultural and economic interests of the communities of the city of Napa area.

“This will allow for larger member flexibility in tax deductions, while supporting the Chamber’s mission and vision,” said Kate King, president and CEO of the Chamber. “The Foundation will give opportunities to members who want to support Chamber charitable and educational programs, such as scholarships, yet were previously hampered by our lack of an IRS 501(c)(3) status.”

The first program to be supported is the 2006 Annual Benefit Golf Tournament Silent Auction, which provides all of its proceeds to non-profit organizations. Individuals or companies that choose to support the Golf Tournament with charitable donations will now be allowed to take advantage of tax deductible giving options in accordance with IRS regulations.

“We anticipate the level of contributions will grow,” said King. “For example, each year from the proceeds of our Benefit Golf Tournament, we give one high school student a $1000 scholarship through the Ross Game Scholarship Fund. Because businesses now have an opportunity to contribute more and take a tax advantage, we may be able to increase the scholarship to give a student at each high school a scholarship, or increase the amount of the scholarship.”

Since education is a large part of the Foundation’s mission, contributions will potentially be used for increased workforce education and preparedness training. The Napa Chamber will collaborate with other organizations to strengthen employee skills of local companies.

Long range, Foundation funding could include projects pertaining to economic development, demographics, community education, and research.

“The Foundation is a result of a year of hard work by our Board members,” said King. “But by forming the 501 (c) (3) it will allow us to ask for support while linking the business community in partnership with educational, government and non-profit organizations.”  

David Wildhagen, owner of Payroll Masters, who serves as Foundation trustee, drew the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation. Other Board members include the current chairman of the Chamber, Merritt Fink; the Past Chair, Connie Anderson; secretary, Kate King; and members at large, Jeff Gerlomes, Anil Patel, and Joelle Gallagher.

For more information about the Napa Chamber of CommerceFoundation or to make a donation, please contact Kate King at (707) 226-7455.