Save-the-Day Grant Program

The Community Foundation of Mendocino County administers the Save-the-Day Grant Program to support nonprofit organizations facing urgent needs or emergency situations that impair their ability to fulfill their missions. The program is funded through the Community Endowment Fund and aims to help organizations address unexpected challenges in a timely manner. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning August 6, 2025, until the total available program funding of $25,000 is awarded. Individual grants can be up to $5,000. The Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire and steward generosity to foster vibrant, inclusive, and healthy communities throughout Mendocino County. They are committed to equity and recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of Native peoples in the region. Priority for this grant is given to projects addressing unanticipated, urgent, or emergency situations such as key staff transitions requiring technical assistance, cyber incidents like website hacking, or sudden equipment failures that impede service delivery. Disaster recovery related to natural disasters is not the focus of this program. Eligible applicants must serve residents of Mendocino County, be legally chartered in California, and have IRS public charity status under section 501(c)(3), or be a school district, tribe, public agency, or special district. Organizations using a fiscal sponsor are also eligible if they have at least one year of operational history, an advisory board of at least three unrelated members, and align with the fiscal sponsor’s mission. The organization must be governed by a volunteer board representative of the community and conduct business without discrimination. Applicants not headquartered in Mendocino County must ensure all grant funds are spent within the county. The program supports projects that fit the applicant’s mission and long-term goals, providing funding for technical assistance, small equipment and technology, or other urgent needs. Examples include restructuring financial practices, collaborating to ensure service continuity, or upgrading technology for improved mission delivery. Funding cannot be used for political contributions, voter registration drives, individual benefits such as scholarships, or activities that took place before the grant decision. Applications must be submitted through the online portal on the Community Foundation website. Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff before submitting a proposal to ensure appropriateness. Proposals should clearly describe anticipated benefits for the organization and the Mendocino County community. The Community Foundation aims to make funding decisions within 14 business days of receiving complete applications. Grantees are required to submit a brief report on the project’s success, receipts for equipment purchases, and relevant photos upon project completion. For more information, interested applicants may contact Hayley Moore, Program Officer, at the Community Foundation of Mendocino County, located at 204 S. Oak Street, Ukiah, CA 95482. She can be reached by email at hayley@communityfound.org or by phone at 707-468-9882 ext. 110.

Applicants encouraged to discuss request with staff before submission; focus on anticipated benefits to organization and community; ensure application is well-conceived and specific.