ABOUT THE HEADWATERS FUND

The Headwaters Fund is comprised of three programs: the Grant Fund, the Community Investment Fund and the Revolving Loan Fund.

The Grant Fund provides grants for projects benefiting base industries in Humboldt County. Non-profit and government jurisdictions in Humboldt County are eligible to apply. In an average grant round, total awards are between $200,000 and $300,000. Grants are typically accepted on an annual basis with a deadline in the early winter or spring. The deadline for grants for 2009 was February 9th and a deadline for 2010 has not yet been set. For more information contact the Headwaters Fund Coordinator: delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.

The Community Investment Fund is a loan and grant program for infrastructure related projects that will result in permanent and tangible economic beneift to the community. Applications to the Community Investment Fund are accepted on a monthly basis. Please contact the Headwaters Fund Coordinator for more information: delsbree@co.humboldt.ca.us.

The Revolving Loan Fund makes loans to businesses and non-profit organizations in Humboldt County. These loans fill gaps in the market for available financing while maintaining sound banking practices. Currently the Headwaters Fund is contracted with the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) http://www.aedc1.org and Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC) http://www.rredc.com to manage a portion of the Revolving Loan Funds. Loan applicants should apply directly to these financial institutions, not the Headwaters Fund itself.

What's New


Over $310,000 is available for Grant Fund awards in 2010-2011. Application deadlines are:

  • July 1 
  • October 1 
  • February 1

Grant Application Form

Grant Application Instructions 


 New Headwaters Fund Grant Rating Tool

Based on a study of the fund's grant making outcomes and public input, the Headwaters Fund Board has adopted the following Grant Scoring sheet to rate grant applications:

Grant Rating Criteria


On May 25, 2010 the Board of Supervisors awarded the following three grants:

Oak Woodlands Conservation

Digital Media Project

Garberville Town Square 


2010 is the first year of the $1.5 million Headwaters Workforce Challenge Grant Initiative:

Headwaters Workforce Challenge Grant Initiative

A Decade of Difference - the 20/20 Vision