Community Enrichment Grant Program

The Community Enrichment Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, is designed to support projects that enrich the diverse communities within Mendocino County, California. Established in the early 2000s, this program draws funding from the Community Endowment Fund—a pool of permanent, undesignated funds—and is augmented by numerous family and regional donor-advised funds such as the Anderson Valley Fund, the Gardiner Family Fund, and others. The program reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting impactful, community-based initiatives that align with its broader vision of fostering vibrant, inclusive, and healthy communities across the county. The grant program offers funding across four primary categories: Program Grants, Equipment and Technology Grants, Capital Grants, and General Operating Support. Program Grants are directed toward efforts that provide widespread community benefit and demonstrate interconnectedness among diverse community elements. These are particularly encouraged to showcase a multiplier effect—such as initiatives that improve educational outcomes while also contributing to local economic development. Equipment and Technology Grants support tools and software that enhance the operational capacity of organizations, while Capital Grants are reserved for either early design stages or final fundraising phases of construction or renovation projects. Notably, only capital projects on land owned by the applicant are eligible. General Operating Support is available solely to organizations with a proven history of engagement with the Foundation and is limited due to funding constraints. In terms of eligibility, applicants must serve Mendocino County residents and be legally chartered in California. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, tribes, and special districts. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted, but the sponsored group must consist of at least three unrelated members and have an advisory board. Fiscal sponsors must align with the mission of the group and meet standard nonprofit criteria. Applications are excluded if they seek to fund religious programs serving only congregations, one-off events without long-term impacts, individual benefits, or certain health and safety initiatives better suited for other specific Foundation grant programs. The application window opens on December 15, 2025, and the deadline for submission is January 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Applications are submitted online through the Foundation's website. Technical assistance includes a virtual Community Enrichment Grant Information Meeting on January 5, 2026, and open Zoom Office Hours from January 20–23, 2026. No registration is required for these office hours. Applicants are advised to submit their proposals well ahead of the deadline to address any technical issues. Applications are reviewed by the Strategic Grantmaking Committee in collaboration with Regional Grant Reviewers. Evaluation criteria include community benefit, alignment with organizational mission, operational impact, and the strength of available support or partnerships. Organizations progressing past the first review stage will be contacted for a site visit in March 2026. Final award decisions will be communicated by April 10, 2026. Grant-supported projects must be completed by April 2, 2027, with mandatory mid-year check-ins and a final report. Celebratory events recognizing grantees are scheduled for May 2026 in regional locations throughout the county. Failure to submit reports on time may impact future funding eligibility. The Community Foundation underscores its commitment to equity, inclusivity, and meaningful community engagement. It acknowledges the ancestral lands of Indigenous communities in Mendocino County and encourages projects that reflect a deep awareness of local culture, history, and needs. Overall, the Community Enrichment Grant Program exemplifies a holistic approach to local development, rooted in collaboration and long-term impact.

Submit early to avoid tech issues; Stronger proposals show multiplier effect and community collaboration; Align program to your mission and respond to community need;