Community Foundation for Monterey County

OVERVIEW: The Community Foundation for Monterey County supports health, human services, education, community development, culture, heritage, economic development, environment and organizational development in California.

FUNDING AREAS: Health, human services, education, community development, culture, heritage, economic development, environment, organizational development

IP TAKE: CFMC nicely outlines its current grant opportunities on its website to take the guesswork out of applying for a local grant.

PROFILE: Established in 1945, the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is a community foundation based in Monterey and Salinas, California. It was originally called the Monterey Foundation and focused on historic preservation, open space preservation and later other broad charitable purposes. Today, CFMC is home to over 550 charitable funds and among the top 100 community foundations in the U.S. based on asset size. The foundation aims to "inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” It funds local efforts for health, human services, education, community development, culture, heritage, economic development, environment and organizational development.

The Community Foundation for Monterey County awards a broad range of grants to nonprofits that serve the residents of the county. It lists grant opportunities on its website, including Community Impact Grants, Community Impact Small Grants, Opportunity Grants, the Neighborhood Grants Program and the Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment. There are also special purpose grant opportunities that address specific needs, such as K-12 education, homelessness, Latino communities and the needs of women and girls. Special purpose funds include the Siembra Latinos Fund, Northern and Southern Monterey County Foundations and the Fund for Homeless Women.

Grants range between about $500 and $50,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Monterey County in California. Past local grantees include King City Boxing Club, Legal Services for Seniors and the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofit for many programs. Some programs accept applications year-around, while others have one or two annual cycles. Each CFMC grant program has its own unique set of guidelines and deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at info@cfmco.org or 831-375-9712.

PEOPLE:

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