Neighborhood Grants Program

The Neighborhood Grants Program (NGP) is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), which aims to support grassroots, volunteer-led groups within Monterey County, California. Established in 1997, the program reflects CFMC’s ongoing commitment to community development and empowerment by awarding small-scale grants to neighborhood groups working to improve local quality of life. Over the program's lifespan, it has distributed more than $1 million in total funding. The Foundation operates offices in both Monterey and Salinas and serves as a regional hub for philanthropic services with a focus on community impact and equity. The primary objective of the NGP is to support projects and activities that foster positive change within local neighborhoods. Grants range from $3,000 to $5,000 and are awarded to support community-led initiatives designed to meet unmet needs or bring new energy and resources to neighborhood-level challenges. Funded projects must take place within the cities or unincorporated areas of Monterey County. Acceptable uses of funds are flexible, as long as they contribute to improved community conditions and demonstrate active group participation and leadership development. Eligible applicants include community groups composed of five or more unrelated individuals based in Monterey County. These groups must not have any outstanding final reports from previous grants and should either have or be willing to establish a bank account in the group’s name—with technical assistance available if needed. Family-based groups are ineligible, and individual applicants are not permitted. The program is not open to businesses, institutions, or government bodies, unless they partner with an eligible group. Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year until all available funds have been awarded. There is no fixed application window, but applicants are encouraged to apply early, given the limited funding pool. Applications are evaluated on multiple criteria, including demonstrated community need, group leadership and training, inclusive group decision-making, and the potential for measurable impact on the community. Interested applicants can access application guidelines and materials through the CFMC website. The application process includes several questions designed to evaluate the project’s alignment with NGP goals. These include inquiries into the specific community need being addressed, the group’s structure and leadership development efforts, community involvement in decision-making, and how the proposed project will create positive change. An information session presentation and the full list of application questions are also available online to help guide applicants. For questions and assistance, applicants may contact Daniela ‘Dani’ Cervantes, Community Impact and Equity Officer, at 831.754.5880 x133, or Jessica Alcantar-Tinajero, Grants and Office Coordinator, at 831.754.5880 x135. Applications may be submitted online via the CFMC website. The program does not indicate a specific award date, as funds are disbursed on a rolling basis throughout the calendar year.

Evaluate community needs carefully and ensure leadership and decision-making are group-based.