Southern Monterey County Foundation Grant

The Southern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF), established in 2014, is an affiliate of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). SMCF’s core mission is to encourage philanthropic engagement and act as a catalyst for strengthening the communities located in Southern Monterey County. These communities include King City and areas south of it, excluding the coastal region. The Foundation strategically invests contributions from donors to effect measurable and positive changes in the region. The 2025 SMCF grant cycle is designed to support nonprofit organizations and community groups that offer essential services and resources within Southern Monterey County. Funding priorities for this cycle focus on two primary areas: health and wellness, and education for youth. The health and wellness category includes programs that promote nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being. The education priority supports pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade education, youth leadership, career exploration, out-of-school academic support (particularly in literacy, math, and arts), and youth-led initiatives. The Foundation shows a preference for local organizations with limited access to alternative funding sources, where even a small grant can create significant community impact. A total of $25,000 is allocated for 2025 grantmaking. Applicants can request up to $5,000 per proposal. The actual number and amount of grants awarded will be determined based on the evaluation of each proposal’s potential community impact. Funded projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving the grant, with a written evaluation due at the end of that period. Proposals should demonstrate robust community support and include a clear plan to achieve tangible outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public institutions such as schools and parks, and church-sponsored initiatives that serve the broader community. Collaboratives and unincorporated groups may also apply, provided they partner with a fiscal sponsor that is a qualified 501(c)(3) entity responsible for managing the funds. The grants may cover a wide range of costs such as pre-development or construction for facilities, startup costs for new programs, personnel linked directly to the proposed program, equipment or materials that benefit participants, and matching funds to leverage other sources of support. Funding will not be provided for projects with discriminatory, political, or religious agendas, or for efforts that replace tax-supported services. Additional exclusions include individual scholarships, debt payments, legal settlements, endowments, and events like annual fundraising campaigns. Furthermore, grant funds may not be used to cover any expenses incurred before the official award date or to attend conferences or conduct research. All applications must be submitted through CFMC’s online portal by 5:00 PM on August 1, 2025. Grant decisions will be announced in October. Although the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools for proposal preparation is not prohibited, CFMC advises applicants to incorporate their organization’s voice, ensure grammatical accuracy, and include relevant local data when applicable. Questions can be directed to Daniela Cervantes, Community Impact and Equity Officer, at danielac@cfmco.org or 831.754.5880 x133.