Community Enrichment Grant Program

The Community Enrichment Grant Program, hosted by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, provides funding ranging from $1,000 to $6,500 for projects that enhance local communities across Mendocino County. Established in the early 2000s and supported by the Community Endowment Fund, the program aims to address key issues within the county while encouraging broad impact and collaboration among nonprofits. The grant pool for the 2024-2025 cycle totals $135,000, with applications open from December 16, 2024, to January 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The program supports various types of projects, including program grants, capacity-building initiatives, capital projects, and equipment or technology improvements. Program grants prioritize initiatives with a “multiplier” effect that extend benefits to multiple community sectors, such as combining education programs with economic development. Capacity-building grants help organizations improve efficiency, governance, or financial stability, while capital grants focus on the planning or final fundraising stages of specific building or renovation projects. Equipment and technology grants fund tools, software, or systems that advance organizational missions. Priority is given to projects that serve the broader community or specific underserved populations, such as youth, seniors, Native or Latino communities, or individuals with disabilities. Organizations must demonstrate alignment with their mission and long-term goals, showcase collaboration with other groups, and address identified community needs. Proposals that strengthen partnerships or catalyze growth in the nonprofit sector are especially encouraged. Collaborations require letters of support from partner organizations, and detailed budgets and descriptions are necessary for capital and equipment-related requests. Technical assistance is available to support applicants, including a virtual information session on January 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a recording provided afterward. Zoom office hours will be held January 17-24, 2025, excluding January 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, to answer questions and provide additional guidance. Applicants are encouraged to review the guidelines and ensure their projects align with the program’s priorities and requirements. Certain types of projects are ineligible, including those primarily benefiting religious organizations, sports team travel, one-day events without clear long-term impact, or projects related to health and safety needs, which should instead apply to the Fund for Healthy and Inclusive Communities under the 2025 Field-of-Interest Grant Program. General underwriting, sponsorships, or nonspecific requests for large capital projects are also excluded. The Community Enrichment Grant Program offers a valuable opportunity for nonprofits to expand their capacity, build partnerships, and implement impactful projects. The application process is overseen by regional advisors who evaluate proposals based on their alignment with community priorities. Applicants can contact Program Officer Hayley Moore for further assistance or consult the program's resources for guidance.