Northern Monterey County Foundation Grant Program

The Northern Monterey County Foundation (NMCF), established in 2016, operates as an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Its mission is to support and foster positive transformation in the communities of Northern Monterey County. The foundation is community-driven and relies on the guidance of a volunteer-based advisory council. These community volunteers annually review grant applications and recommend funding allocations to the CFMC Board of Directors, which holds final decision-making authority. NMCF’s 2025 grant cycle is designed to fund nonprofit organizations serving the specific communities of Aromas, Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, Castroville, Elkhorn, Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Oak Hills, Pajaro, Prunedale, Royal Oaks, and Santa Rita. These grants prioritize initiatives that address the region’s most pressing needs and contribute to long-term community well-being. The foundation seeks to invest in organizations with strong leadership and programmatic capacity that can provide crucial community resources in these areas. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation has identified two primary areas of funding: Health and Human Services, and Children and Youth. Projects in the Health and Human Services category should focus on meeting basic living needs and improving physical and emotional health outcomes for individuals and families of all ages. For the Children and Youth category, eligible projects include out-of-school academic support, youth development and enrichment programs, and youth-led initiatives that build skills and leadership. The total grantmaking budget for 2025 is $50,000. Individual grant awards are expected to range between $3,000 and $5,000, although the final number and size of awards may vary depending on the perceived impact of proposals. Grantees are required to expend all awarded funds within 12 months of receipt and submit a written evaluation detailing project outcomes. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public programs such as school or park initiatives not covered by typical tax funding, unincorporated groups with a fiscal sponsor, and church-affiliated projects that benefit the broader community. Organizations may submit only one application per cycle, unless they are also serving as a fiscal sponsor for another group. The grant application must be submitted by 5:00 PM on August 1, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced in October 2025. Applications must be submitted through the CFMC’s online portal at cfmco.org/NMCFGrants. While the use of Artificial Intelligence is permitted in the application process, applicants are advised to personalize their submissions, include local data, and proofread all materials before submitting. For more information or questions, contact Daniela Cervantes, Community Impact and Equity Officer, at 831.375.9712 or 754.5880 x133, or via email at danielac@cfmco.org.