activities · 16
what they do
direct service · 10
- Administer scholarship programs for Monterey County students Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers multiple scholarship programs, including the County of Monterey Scholarship Program Fund and public service scholarships, awarding up to $2,000 annually for community college students and up to $12,000 per year (renewable) for four-year institutions. Awards approximately $2 million in scholarships annually to students from Monterey County, including those in the Gabilan Unified School District.
- Administers scholarship programs for Monterey County students Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers and awards college scholarships to students in Monterey County, including specific programs for students from the Gabilan Unified School District and public service scholars, with awards ranging from $1,500 to $12,000 per year, distributed annually with a total of $2 million in scholarships awarded each year.
- Distribute grants to nonprofits and community groups Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementProvides annual grantmaking totaling over $40 million to hundreds of nonprofits in Monterey County and beyond, including small grants to neighborhood groups and special grants such as the Ingenuity Award and donor-based awards. Has granted millions annually and nearly $10 million since 2016 for disaster relief and recovery.
- Distributes grants to nonprofits and community organizations Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementProvides annual grantmaking totaling over $40 million to hundreds of nonprofits in Monterey County and beyond, including targeted grants for disaster relief (nearly $10 million since 2016), neighborhood improvement projects, and special recognition awards such as the Ingenuity Award and donor-based awards.
- Grantmaking to Nonprofits Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementDistributes over $40 million in grants annually to hundreds of nonprofits in Monterey County and beyond, including small grants to neighborhood groups and nearly $10 million for disaster relief and recovery since 2016. The organization has conducted cumulative grantmaking since 1981.
- Lead Monterey County Gives! fundraising campaign Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementOrganizes and manages the annual Monterey County Gives! campaign, which raised over $14 million for local nonprofits in 2024 and has raised and granted over $82 million since 2009.
- Manages and grows charitable giving through Monterey County Gives! Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementOrganizes and administers the Monterey County Gives! campaign, which raised over $14.2 million in 2024 and has raised and granted over $82 million since 2009 to support local nonprofits.
- Monterey County Gives! Campaign Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementRaises and grants funds for local nonprofits through the Monterey County Gives! campaign, having raised over $14 million in 2024 and over $82 million since 2009. This includes receiving gifts totaling $14.2 million from the campaign.
- Scholarship Programs Targeted Educational ScholarshipsOffers $2 million in scholarships annually to students in Monterey County, including college scholarships for students from Gabilan Unified School District, financial awards up to $1,500 for community college and $2,000 for four-year institutions, and public service scholarships up to $12,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
- Special Grant Awards Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationAwards special grants to multiple nonprofits, including the Ingenuity Award, donor-based awards, and awards supporting women, families, and the arts, totaling $7,500 in 2024.
capacity building · 6
- Manage donor-advised giving and fund administration Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationOperates an online donor portal launched in June 2024 that provides 24/7 access to fund balances, gift and grant history, and quarterly statements, enabling donor advisors to view funding opportunities and submit grant recommendations.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building Nonprofit Capacity Building SupportOperates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to support local nonprofits by providing one-time grants for strategic capacity building projects and offering a program with unrestricted operating grants, coaching, and cohort convenings to improve governance and effectiveness.
- Online Donor Portal Management Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationProvides 24/7 access to fund balances, gift and grant history, and quarterly fund statements through an online donor portal, which also enables donor advisors to view funding opportunities and submit grant recommendations. A new donor portal was launched in June 2024.
- Provides online donor portal for fund and grant management Donor-Advised Fund AdministrationOffers a donor portal launched in June 2024 that enables 24/7 access to fund balances, gift and grant history, quarterly statements, and tools for donor advisors to view funding opportunities and submit grant recommendations.
- Support nonprofit capacity and governance Nonprofit Capacity Building SupportOperates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and offers programs including unrestricted operating grants, coaching, cohort convenings, and one-time grants to strengthen nonprofit governance, effectiveness, and strategic capacity.
- Supports nonprofit capacity building through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence Nonprofit Capacity Building SupportOperates the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, offering unrestricted operating grants, coaching, cohort convenings, and one-time strategic grants to strengthen nonprofit governance, effectiveness, and organizational capacity in the region.
strategies · 17
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Centralized Scholarship Access and Applicant Communication centralized_application_systemProvides equitable access to scholarship opportunities through a centralized application system and advises applicants to use long-term email addresses to maintain communication, improving accessibility and follow-through for students.
- Centralized Scholarship Access and Applicant Support centralized_application_systemIncreases equitable access to scholarship opportunities through a centralized application system and practical guidance, such as using long-term email addresses, to maintain communication and reduce barriers for applicants.
- Collaborative Systems Change Through Convening and Multi-Sector Grantmaking community_conveningAdvances systemic community change by funding diverse nonprofits across key focus areas and convening cross-sector stakeholders to collaboratively address challenges like homelessness, housing, and mental health.
- Community Convening and Collaborative Problem Solving community_conveningThe organization convenes stakeholders and nonprofits to collaboratively address systemic community challenges such as homelessness, affordable housing, and mental health, and implements inclusive economic development initiatives in partnership with local organizations.
- Community Convening for Systems Change community_conveningConvenes nonprofits and stakeholders to collaboratively tackle systemic issues such as homelessness, housing, and mental health, leveraging collective action to drive community-level transformation.
- Coordinated Giving Campaigns with Matching Incentives matching_funds_and_challenge_giftsAmplifies community philanthropy through coordinated giving campaigns that distribute 100% of donations plus pro rata matching funds and challenge gifts to激励 donor participation and broaden support for local nonprofits.
- Coordinated Giving Campaigns with Matching Incentives matching_funds_and_challenge_giftsAmplifies community giving through coordinated campaigns that distribute 100% of donations plus pro rata matching funds and challenge gifts to激励 donor participation and expand support for a broad nonprofit network.
- Customized Philanthropy Design and Donor Engagement philanthropy_design_studioThe organization acts as a design studio for philanthropy by creating customized giving plans and leveraging local knowledge to connect donors with community needs, using tools like donor-advised funds, life-income gifts, and an online donor portal to enhance engagement and impact.
- Customized Philanthropy Design and Donor Engagement philanthropy_design_studioProvides personalized giving strategies and tools — including donor-advised funds, life-income gifts, and customized giving plans — supported by a donor portal and personal service to deepen community impact through informed, strategic philanthropy.
- Facilitating Strategic Philanthropy philanthropy_design_studioThe organization acts as a design studio for philanthropy, leveraging local knowledge to connect donors with community needs and offering customized giving plans, donor-advised funds, and life-income gifts to support community impact.
- Impact Investing for Community Goals impact_investingThe organization deploys foundation assets beyond traditional grantmaking through community impact investments to advance specific community goals.
- Inclusive Economic Development and Impact Investing impact_investingDrives equitable economic growth in targeted regions like the Salinas Valley through partnerships and deploys foundation assets via impact investments beyond traditional grants to achieve community goals.
- Leveraging Matching Funds and Challenge Gifts for Giving Campaigns coordinated_giving_campaign_with_matching_fundsThe organization uses pro rata matching funds and challenge gifts to incentivize donations and expand community impact during annual giving campaigns, supporting a broad network of nonprofits across diverse focus areas.
- Multi-Sector Grantmaking and Inclusive Community Investment multi-sector_grantmakingAdvances community well-being by funding diverse focus areas across Monterey County, combining traditional grantmaking with impact investing and inclusive economic development initiatives to address systemic challenges and expand opportunity.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building and Leadership Development nonprofit_capacity_buildingStrengthens nonprofit organizations through integrated support including grants, technical assistance, leadership training, peer networks, and professional development via the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to improve governance, resilience, and equity.
- Nonprofit Capacity Building and Professional Development nonprofit_capacity_buildingStrengthens nonprofit organizations through financial support combined with technical assistance, leadership training, consulting, and peer networks via the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to improve governance, resilience, and equity.
- Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity nonprofit_capacity_buildingThe organization strengthens nonprofits through grantmaking, professional development, consulting, resources, workshops, and leadership training via the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, combining financial support with coaching and peer learning to improve board governance and organizational effectiveness.
named programs · 23
what they call their work
Agency Funds
Enables nonprofits to reduce administrative burden, benefit from investment expertise, and accept complex gifts through the foundation
Anita Tarr Turk Fund for Breast Cancer Research
Grants for nonprofit organizations conducting scientific research for the cause of and cure for breast cancer.
Big Sur Fund in Memory of Weston Call
Grants of $1,000-$5,000 for community resources and services in Big Sur (Mal Paso Creek south to county line)
Board Empowerment Program
$5,000 unrestricted operating grant plus ten months of coaching and cohort convenings to improve board effectiveness for nonprofits in Monterey County
Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Provides workshops, consulting, and leadership training (LEAD Institute) to strengthen nonprofit capacity in Monterey County
Community Fund for Carmel Valley
Grants up to $4,000 for community resources and services in Carmel Valley and Cachagua communities
Fund for Homeless Women
Grants of $10,000-$50,000 for programs and services for homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula, especially emergency or transitional housing
Impact
Grants of $10,000-$50,000 to support children & youth development, health & human services, arts, culture & historic preservation, community development, and environment in Monterey County
Impact Grants
Grants supporting Children & Youth Development, Health & Human Services, Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation, Community Development, and Environment in Monterey County.
MPRPD Transportation Grant
Grants to increase recreational, environmental, and educational access to the Park District’s parks and reserves.
Monterey County Gives!
Annual year-end giving campaign that channels donations to over 200 local nonprofits with pro rata matching funds from sponsors; includes special recognition awards
Neighborhood Grants Program
Grants of $3,000-$5,000 to neighborhood groups helping residents improve life for families and neighbors, accepted year-round
Northern Monterey County Foundation
Grants of $3,000-$5,000 for community resources and services in Northern Monterey County communities including Pajaro, Prunedale, and King City
Organizational Development
One-time grants of $5,000-$10,000 for strategic capacity building projects, accepted year-round
Organizational Development Grants
One-time support for focused, strategic capacity building projects for nonprofits.
Pajaro Community Grants
Grants of $10,000-$100,000 for community projects that increase Pajaro's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and natural disasters
Robert and Virginia Stanton Endowment
Grants of $5,000-$50,000 for one-time special or capital projects by selected arts and human services agencies
Siembra Latinos Fund
Grants of $2,500-$5,000 for projects or programs serving Monterey County residents, predominantly Latino residents
Southern Monterey County Foundation
Grants up to $5,000 for community resources and services in Southern Monterey County communities (King City and south)
Supporting Our Neighbors
Grants of $10,000-$30,000 to nonprofits supporting individuals and families facing urgent needs due to immigration and policy-related concerns; by invitation only
Thrive
Grants of $25,000-$50,000 to reduce barriers in housing stability, educational attainment, workforce development, and mental health support
Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund
Reimbursement to organizations that supply blood products to people who can’t afford them, and related activities.
Women’s Fund
Initiative funding to advance economic security for women and invest in the future of girls.
relationships · 29
who they work with
- Big Sur Fund in Memory of Weston Call Partner — Administers the Big Sur Fund in Memory of Weston Call as part of its regional funds and offers regional grants through it.
- Cal Alumni Club of Monterey County Partner — Established the Larry Horan – Jim Langley Scholarship and Jack Van Zander Cal Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund
- California Rodeo Salinas Partner — Supports youth education through the California Rodeo Salinas Scholarship
- Cannery Row Company Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Colburn and Alana Jones Foundation of the CFMC Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Community Association of Big Sur Partner — Established an endowed fund with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
- Community Fund for Carmel Valley Partner — Administers the Community Fund for Carmel Valley as part of its regional funds and offers regional grants through it.
- Coral Collective Partner — Provides ten months of focused guidance and coaching to nonprofit leadership teams through the Board Empowerment Program.
- Cort Companies Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- County of Monterey Partner — Collaborates on the County of Monterey Scholarship Program Fund
- David & Lucile Packard Foundation Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Fund for Homeless Women Partner — Administers the Fund for Homeless Women as part of its family of funds and offers special purpose grants through it.
- Harden Foundation Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Jean P. Fitton Fund Partner — Offers special purpose grants through the Jean P. Fitton Fund.
- Montage Health Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Monterey County Gives! Partner — Collaborates to receive gifts, including $14.2 million in funding
- Monterey County Weekly Partner — Co-founded and partners in the Monterey County Gives! campaign, including publishing a special issue to promote participating nonprofits.
- Monterey County Weekly Community Fund Partner — Partner in the Monterey County Gives! campaign to inspire philanthropy and distribute gifts to local nonprofits.
- Monterey Peninsula Foundation Partner — Partner in the Monterey County Gives! campaign since 2015.
- Monterey Peninsula Foundation Partner — Partner in the Monterey County Gives! campaign to inspire philanthropy and distribute gifts to local nonprofits.
- Neumeier Poma Investment Counsel Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Northern Monterey County Foundation Partner — Administers the Northern Monterey County Foundation as part of its regional funds and offers regional grants through it.
- Out Reach Fund Partner — Offers special purpose grants through the Out Reach Fund.
- Post Ranch Inn Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Siembra Latinos Fund Partner — Administers the Siembra Latinos Fund as part of its family of funds and offers special purpose grants through it.
- Southern Monterey County Foundation Partner — Administers the Southern Monterey County Foundation as part of its regional funds and offers regional grants through it.
- Taylor Farms Partner — Matching fund sponsor for the 2025 Monterey County Gives! campaign.
- Taylor Farms SoCal Partner — Supports scholarship program for students in Southern California
- United Way Monterey County Partner — Partner in the Emerging Leaders Society of United Way Monterey County Scholarship Fund