The Community Foundation for Monterey County provides grants through its Out Reach program, established in 2005, to enhance the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones in Monterey County, CA. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to improve community well-being by directly addressing the needs of a diverse population segment. The program was founded on insights from a comprehensive 2005 study involving over 300 LGBTQ+ and allied community members, identifying key needs such as community building, support for LGBTQ+ youth, and accessible resource centers.
Out Reach primarily targets LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, friends, and allies within Monterey County. The impact goals are centered on increasing public awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, generating new support for these communities, and strengthening the organizational capacity of agencies serving the LGBTQ+ population. The program also aims to foster a climate of acceptance and ensure equal rights and opportunities, promoting safety, counseling, and support for LGBTQ+ young people and seniors.
The program's priorities and focuses include Arts and Culture initiatives that raise awareness and promote dialogue, Awareness, Education, and Civil Rights initiatives that foster acceptance, and Health and Mental Health services sensitive to the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and seniors. Additionally, Organizational Capacity Building efforts are supported to strengthen LGBTQ+-serving community organizations, and specific programs for Youth and Seniors are prioritized, offering safety, counseling, and support through various activities.
Expected outcomes include a more resilient LGBTQ+ community with stronger internal networks, better support systems for LGBTQ+ youth, and improved access to community resources through dedicated gathering places. The program envisions a community where LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic levels experience greater safety, respect, and equal opportunities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the $1,000-$5,000 funding range, the underlying theory of change suggests that by pooling resources and strategically funding non-profit organizations, positive systemic changes in awareness, support, and organizational strength will naturally follow, leading to an improved quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in Monterey County.
