Organizational Development Grant

The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) offers Organizational Development (OD) Grants to support nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, California, that seek to improve their internal capacity and long-term resilience. CFMC is dedicated to fostering healthy, safe, and vibrant communities and channels its funding toward strategic projects that reinforce a nonprofit’s infrastructure and leadership. These grants are administered by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE), which provides both guidance and oversight in the application process. OD Grants aim to assist nonprofits in addressing unique, non-recurring management or leadership challenges that are critical to their mission delivery and future sustainability. Funded projects often include strategic planning, leadership transitions, upgrading systems such as CRMs, or enhancing governance practices. Applicants must clearly articulate their vision for organizational improvement and explain how success will be evaluated. Proposals should detail a realistic and adequately resourced plan, with leadership engagement and a commitment to learning and improvement. Eligible uses of the funding include consultant-led strategic planning, technology upgrades that improve efficiency, and other tailored initiatives that strengthen the organization’s operations. However, grant funds may not be used for regular program operations, fundraising events, incorporation costs, or activities completed prior to the grant award. CFMC also excludes projects that duplicate services offered through its other initiatives, as well as those for political, religious, or debt-related purposes. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored projects, and certain unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents are eligible to apply. Collaboratives may also apply, and individual members of a collaborative may submit separate applications for unrelated projects. Businesses and individuals are not eligible, except for social enterprises affiliated with a local nonprofit. All applicants must be current on reporting requirements for prior CFMC grants. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within two months of receiving a complete application. Applicants must contact CNE staff prior to submission, and proposals are submitted through CFMC’s online portal. Final reports are due within one year of grant receipt, documenting project execution and outcomes. The OD program does not have a recurring cycle but remains open until annual funding is fully awarded. Approximately $50,000 is allocated annually, and demand frequently exceeds available funding. For further assistance or to begin the application process, applicants must first speak with CNE staff. The primary contacts are Susie Polnaszek or Reid Norris, who can be reached via the Monterey office at 831.375.9712. More information is available at cfmco.org/od.

Emphasize clarity on goals and leadership involvement; do not apply for retroactive activities.