About SW100
The History
For years, the idea of creating a fundraising and grant-making group focused on Sebastopol and West County has been circulating in the community.
In 2024, after the City of Sebastopol reduced funding for local nonprofits due to financial challenges, two of our founders—businessman Craig Boblitt and former Mayor Craig Litwin—sparked a conversation at a Peacetown concert that led to the creation of Sebastopol West 100.
They explored the concept with friends, local nonprofit leaders, and community members. Rather than starting a traditional foundation, they discovered the “giving circle” model—a collaborative way to pool donations and support local causes. The model was already successful in other communities and felt like a great fit.
To keep things simple and effective, they partnered with Community Foundation Sonoma County to manage its funds and provide administrative support. In spring 2025, the organization officially launched and began welcoming members—with generous support from several founding donors who gave above and beyond.
From Wikipedia: ”A giving circle is a form of participatory philanthropy by a group of individuals who form a voluntary association to donate their money or time. The group then decides how to allocate these resources to charitable organizations or community projects.[1] Groups may also seek to increase their awareness of and engagement with the issues covered by the charity or community project.[2].” “In 1995, American philanthropist Colleen Willoughby founded the Washington Women’s Foundation with a collective giving structure;[22] by 2007, the group had grown to 460 members.[23]”
Impact 100 Redwood Circle was formed in Santa Rosa, CA as a result of these initial efforts.
The women of this group have given away nearly $2M to local area nonprofits since their
inception. The seed planted 30 years ago took root in Sonoma County, CA.
Sebastopol West 100 Giving Circle forms in 2025
The Giving Circle seed then germinated in Sebastopol West. Impact 100 Redwood Circle graciously helped guide the foundation of co-ed Giving Circle; Sebastopol West 100, or SW100. In their inaugural 2025 launch, SW100 gave $295k to area-serving nonprofits, and is the fifth similar regional grant-giving group in Sonoma County. SW100 is a project of the Community Foundation Sonoma County.
Leadership
Our Board has eight volunteer members: two Co-Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and four additional members.
All members must be in good standing of Sebastopol West 100.
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Development Director and a Founding Board Member
Committees
Sebastopol West 100 has a Grants Committee which is appointed by the Board from our general membership. Guided by goals set by the Board, the Committee establishes and oversees the grant application and evaluation process, including the process for SW100’s voting membership to select final grant recipients. Other committees may be created in the future.