Organizational Development Grant Program

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) administers Organizational Development (OD) Grants as part of its mission to promote healthy, safe, and vibrant communities throughout Monterey County, California. CFMC is a private, county-focused grantmaker that emphasizes strategic funding with measurable outcomes. Their OD Grants are designed specifically to help nonprofit organizations address significant, one-time management or leadership challenges and to meaningfully enhance internal capacities that support mission advancement. This funding program is best suited for organizations undergoing change, strengthening infrastructure, or needing targeted capacity-building support. The OD Grants typically award between $5,000 and $10,000 per recipient, with a total annual pool of approximately $50,000. Given this limited funding, the Foundation receives more applications than it can fund. Strong applications articulate a vision for organizational growth, define specific changes expected as a result of the project, explain how success will be measured, and demonstrate financial and personnel capacity to carry out the project effectively. Preference is given to proposals where leadership is actively involved, and where the project is informed by assessments, stakeholder feedback, and a culture of learning. CFMC provides examples of successfully funded initiatives to guide applicants. For instance, one grantee implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system that resulted in significant increases in volunteer and donor engagement. Another used grant funds to support a professional consultant facilitating a founder transition, ensuring leadership continuity. A third developed its first strategic plan through consultant-led sessions, leading to energized board engagement and a shared focus on mission-driven priorities. These examples illustrate the funder’s support for practical and transformative internal improvements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year, and proposals should be submitted at least two months in advance of project start dates. Once a complete proposal is received, applicants can expect a funding decision within approximately two months. This rolling process continues until the full annual allocation is awarded. While the grant process is flexible, early submission is encouraged due to limited funding availability. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) public benefit organizations, fiscally sponsored projects, and occasionally other types of public benefit organizations, including secular programs within schools, faith-based organizations, and public agencies. However, schools and public agencies are rarely funded due to budget constraints. Applicants must not be in default on past CFMC grant reporting requirements and must demonstrate strong organizational commitment. Businesses and individuals are not eligible, except for social enterprises affiliated with eligible nonprofits. The grant does not fund activities such as incorporation fees, pre-award expenses, general operating or staff costs, endowment creation, religious or political work, fundraising events, debt settlements, or facility acquisition/renovation. Proposals duplicating services already offered through CFMC programs are ineligible. CFMC also encourages applicants to contact program officers prior to submitting an application. For assistance, interested organizations may contact Susie Polnaszek or Reid Norris at 831-375-9712. Additional details are available at cfmco.org/od.

Applicants are encouraged to speak with CFMC staff before applying; AI-generated applications should be proofread and personalized.