Jean P. Fitton Grant Program

The Jean P. Fitton Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), aligns with the foundation's mission to support education and community development within Monterey County, California. This grant specifically targets nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public school foundations to foster educational excellence. The program's purpose is to award grants that directly benefit public elementary, middle, and high school teachers through various enrichment initiatives and necessary resource acquisition, thereby strengthening the educational landscape of the region. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are public elementary, middle, and high school teachers in Monterey County, along with the students they serve. The impact goals are to enhance teacher professional development, enrich scholastic and arts programs, and improve educational facilities and equipment. By investing in these areas, the CFMC aims to elevate the quality of education, support dedicated educators, and ultimately improve student learning experiences and outcomes within the county. The program's priorities are clearly defined, focusing on nonathletic scholastic and arts programs for teacher professional development and enrichment, as well as the acquisition and improvement of necessary equipment and facilities. Additionally, public school foundations can apply for cash awards for K-12th grade teachers based on merit and contribution to student education. Eligibility is restricted to 501(c)3 nonprofits, public school foundations, and public schools, with a specific focus on proposals supporting K-12th grade teachers. The program prioritizes organizations that are current on their reporting obligations for past CFMC grants. The expected outcomes include enhanced teaching skills, a broader range of scholastic and arts programs for students, and improved learning environments through updated equipment and facilities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the emphasis on teacher professional development, enrichment programs, and facility improvements implies a strategic approach to fostering a more robust and supportive educational system. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with approximately $5,000 – $15,000 allocated annually, indicates a commitment to funding impactful projects within these parameters. The CFMC's theory of change appears to be that by investing directly in teachers and educational infrastructure, they can create a ripple effect that leads to improved educational quality and student success across Monterey County.