WMF Community Enrichment Grant

West Marin Fund, a community foundation based in coastal West Marin, California, is committed to enhancing long-term wellbeing and quality of life for all residents, workers, and visitors in the region. With a mission to inspire giving and mobilize resources, the Fund offers grants and capacity-building training for local nonprofits, and it convenes stakeholders to address challenges facing the community. The Community Enrichment Grants program exemplifies this mission, seeking to strengthen social cohesion, preserve cultural richness, and promote community-led solutions in response to local priorities. The Community Enrichment Grants support a wide range of one-time activities and events led by local organizations and community groups. These may include improvements to existing programs or services, celebrations of cultural diversity, or efforts to preserve valuable community assets such as public art or historical records. The program is particularly focused on advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on addressing systemic racism and promoting the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities. Priority is given to initiatives that are locally grounded, particularly those benefiting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income populations. Funding for the program ranges between $2,000 and $4,000 per grant. Applicants must be either 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations or community groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Organizations must serve the West Marin area and demonstrate a commitment to racial justice and inclusion. Preference is given to organizations based in West Marin and those with an annual budget under $250,000. West Marin Fund does not fund individuals, political organizations, colleges or universities, or religious entities unless the funded activity benefits the wider community. Applications for the Community Enrichment Grant are accepted year-round through an online portal. The review and award process follows a biannual schedule, with applications due by March 31 for May awards and by August 31 for October awards. Once awarded, organizations have six months to complete their funded activities and are required to submit a short final report outlining outcomes and expenditures. The application process involves submitting a proposal budget, completing an organizational profile, and, if applicable, including a memorandum of understanding with a fiscal sponsor. The Fund emphasizes proposals that clearly articulate the activity’s community benefit, outline the organization's prior contributions to the community, and demonstrate sufficient capacity to execute the proposed work. Proposals are evaluated based on their relevance to community priorities, impact on social cohesion, and commitment to equity and inclusion. For assistance, applicants can reach out to [email protected] or call (415) 663-9733. The West Marin Fund is located at 65 Third Street, Suite 24, Post Office Box 1496, Point Reyes Station, California. By fostering community-driven efforts, the Community Enrichment Grant program reinforces West Marin's enduring spirit of solidarity and cultural vitality, ensuring that even amid regional changes, the area's social fabric remains strong and inclusive.

Highlight clear community benefit and equity impact. Prioritize DEI and cultural richness in proposal.