The West Marin Fund offers Organizational Effectiveness grants as part of its broader mission to enhance long-term wellbeing and equity in the West Marin region of California. These grants aim to strengthen the internal capacity of nonprofit organizations serving West Marin, with a special focus on groups that work with marginalized and historically underserved communities.
The purpose of the grant is to bolster organizational resilience and impact through targeted capacity-building efforts. Fundable activities include strategic planning, leadership development, evaluation, financial planning, governance improvements, and other internal development needs. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations or use a fiscal sponsor and should ideally have served the West Marin community for at least three years. Organizations must also demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice.
Grant awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, and the funds must be used within 10 months of receipt. Final reports are due in the 10th month and must include financial accounting and a narrative on use, impact, and lessons learned. Priority is given to organizations with annual operating budgets under $2 million.
The 2025 grant cycle opens on April 15 and closes on May 15. Applicants must complete an online application form and upload several supporting documents, including a proposal budget (with an option to include up to 10% for admin or fiscal sponsorship fees), the organization’s current fiscal year budget, a list of current board members or leadership, and, if applicable, a Memorandum of Understanding with a fiscal sponsor.
Applicants are reviewed by West Marin Fund’s Grants Review Committee, which submits recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval based on availability of funds and alignment with grant criteria. Applications will be assessed on their relevance to community needs, organizational integrity, clarity of outcomes, and alignment with equity goals.
Questions can be directed to grants@westmarinfund.org. Additional details, application forms, and templates are available on the West Marin Fund’s website.
