Mission
To support and promote Napa Valley’s vineyard workers through education and professional development.
About
Since 2001, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers have provided education for farmworkers through programs such as the Spanish Brown Bag Series and Napa County Pruning Contest. In 2010, NVG Board Member, Arnulfo Solorio, presented his dream of creating a foundation to provide education opportunities for farmworkers year-round. With overwhelming support, his vision became a reality and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation was established in 2011, the first grower-supported organization of its kind in the United States.
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation provides a variety of programs annually that focus on developing skills in adult literacy, vineyard operations & safety, leadership & management, mentorship, and family life. Employees benefit tremendously from employers who support and encourage professional development. By putting opportunity within reach, we all rise together. The Napa Valley farmworker community is critical to the success of the wine industry and we believe that by investing in the people who tend the vineyards, we are investing in the future of our valley. |
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History

2012 With initial fundraising dollars, the Foundation launches programs reaching 1,757 people and representing a 327% growth rate in the first year.
2013 The 12-week English Literacy program and Leadership & Management seminar are added to support professional growth, increasing attendance to 2,617 for the year. Total hours of education delivered increased by 250% over the previous year.
2014 The post-harvest 2-week English Literacy Intensive course is added, delivering a total of 343 hours of education that year, an increase of 173% year over year.
2015 Farmworker students begin to ask for educational support outside the scope of viticulture. How to Navigate the American School System Program and a 2-week Math Literacy Intensive course are added.
2013 The 12-week English Literacy program and Leadership & Management seminar are added to support professional growth, increasing attendance to 2,617 for the year. Total hours of education delivered increased by 250% over the previous year.
2014 The post-harvest 2-week English Literacy Intensive course is added, delivering a total of 343 hours of education that year, an increase of 173% year over year.
2015 Farmworker students begin to ask for educational support outside the scope of viticulture. How to Navigate the American School System Program and a 2-week Math Literacy Intensive course are added.

2016 The Patrick Foley Fields of Opportunity Summer Mentor Program is created to connect the next generation of high school students to our largest local industry.
2017 Train-the-Trainer course attendance doubles in demand with more of Napa Valley’s highly skilled workforce being certified to train their own crews.
2018 This year marks the 400th student to graduate from the English Literacy program.
2019 With a focus on wellness, the OLE Health Screening Clinic at Día de la Familia and the Leadership & Management Program at ROOTSTOCK is introduced and open to all.
2020 Farmworkers are supported throughout the pandemic and wildfires– 265,000 masks are distributed and approximately $150,000 is donated for COVID-19 and wildfire emergency financial assistance for farmworkers.
2021 More than $60,000 is donated to the St. Helena Hospital Foundation’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic to support farm-workers. The Foundation adapts to the ‘new normal’ by establishing technology workshops & a laptop lending program.
2017 Train-the-Trainer course attendance doubles in demand with more of Napa Valley’s highly skilled workforce being certified to train their own crews.
2018 This year marks the 400th student to graduate from the English Literacy program.
2019 With a focus on wellness, the OLE Health Screening Clinic at Día de la Familia and the Leadership & Management Program at ROOTSTOCK is introduced and open to all.
2020 Farmworkers are supported throughout the pandemic and wildfires– 265,000 masks are distributed and approximately $150,000 is donated for COVID-19 and wildfire emergency financial assistance for farmworkers.
2021 More than $60,000 is donated to the St. Helena Hospital Foundation’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic to support farm-workers. The Foundation adapts to the ‘new normal’ by establishing technology workshops & a laptop lending program.
Non-Profit Status - 501(c)3
The Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations received are tax deductible as a charitable donation. Non-profit 501(c)3 Federal Tax ID # 36-4790851.