CFMC Impact Grants

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) offers Impact Grants as a key initiative aligned with its strategic vision of fostering Healthy, Safe, and Vibrant Communities throughout Monterey County. As a private foundation, CFMC is committed to addressing the region's most pressing needs by supporting nonprofits and public agencies that demonstrate strong potential for measurable community impact. The organization awards approximately $2.6 million annually across its grantmaking programs, with Impact Grants representing a significant portion targeted toward larger-scale initiatives. Impact Grants range from $20,001 to $50,000 and are intended for programs that are expansive in scope, address complex or systemic issues, and are delivered by organizations with a strong track record of effectiveness. These grants are typically awarded for projects that either operate countywide or serve substantial portions of the population within Monterey County. Organizations applying must show the capacity to measure outcomes, articulate impact, and implement programs likely to deliver sustainable results. CFMC gives preference to programs with clear evaluation plans and annual reporting is a required component of funding. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and public agencies that directly serve Monterey County residents. Collaborative projects involving multiple organizations are eligible for a single grant. Fiscal sponsorships are allowed for organizations not legally incorporated, provided the fiscal sponsor is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) entity and has a formal agreement with the sponsored project. The foundation maintains specific exclusions, including support for religious doctrine, political activity, endowment creation, debt repayment, and expenses incurred prior to grant award. It does, however, fund capital support projects if they meet threshold criteria such as raising at least half of the overall capital campaign goal. Applications must be submitted by March 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. There is no pre-application requirement such as letters of intent or concept papers. All submissions are reviewed by a dedicated grant committee composed of CFMC board members who assess applications for alignment with community needs, organizational readiness, and potential for demonstrable outcomes. The grant decisions are finalized by the CFMC Board, with award notifications expected by the end of June 2026. The application process includes reviewing the CFMC Impact Grant Guidelines, attending an optional grant information session, and completing the required application through the CFMC system. Applicants are encouraged to contact staff for guidance or technical questions. Three key staff contacts are listed: Laurel Lee-Alexander (Vice President of Community Impact), Janet Shing (Director of Grantmaking), and Esther Figueroa (Scholarships and Grants Manager), each available by phone or email. Impact Grants are offered on an annual basis. Given the stated due date of March 20, 2026, and the typical review schedule, the next expected submission date for a recurring cycle would likely be March 20, 2027. The application review and award cycle remain consistent year to year, enabling organizations to plan and prepare in advance. This regular cadence supports CFMC's mission to ensure ongoing responsiveness to evolving community needs through transparent, community-informed grantmaking.

Emphasize measurable outcomes and alignment with community needs. Strong evaluation plans are critical.