General Endowment Grant Deadlines for 2006
~ Apply by January 3 for a decision in April
~ Apply by May 1 for a decision in August
~ Apply by August 7 for a decision in November
Any non-profit [501(C)(3)] or public agency providing significant benefits to a Monterey County community or need may apply to compete for a grant of up to $20,000 once each calendar year and may apply one additional time each year as a member of a collaborative and compete for a grant of up to $40,000. The Foundation appreciates receiving a call or e-mail to hear about agencies’ plans to apply one month before the due date. New applicants should send a brief letter describing their agency and the proposed project’s purpose, audience, necessity, expected outcomes, methods or activities, costs, and grant request amount two months before the due date. All agencies must submit a final or interim Grant Evaluation Form on previous grants before applying for any future funding. The Foundation’s staff and Board review all applications and decisions are announced about four months after the due date. Agencies seeking funding for summer programs need to apply by the January due date.
Applications must be submitted with the Monterey County's Common Grant Application Form. All mailed applications must be postmarked on or before the due date. Applications may be hand delivered to the Foundation office in Monterey or Salinas by 5:00 PM on the due date. Also, agencies wishing to have confirmation that the Foundation has received their applications should request a “Return Receipt” from the Post Office when the application is mailed. Late applications will be returned and applicants will be invited to resubmit at a future deadline. Typically, about one-third of applicants receive grants and average awards are for less than $10,000. The Foundation may make matching or challenge grants to help agencies attract wider support.
Priorities for General Endowment Grant Funding
The Community Foundation wants its general endowment dollars to have the maximum impact on improving the quality of life in Monterey County. Overall, we give priority to organizations that:
- create collaboration among service providers
- provide services directly to vulnerable populations
- focus on outcomes and are accountable for results
- bridge gaps in government funding
- alleviate root problems like poverty and illiteracy
- achieve long-term community-wide solutions
Following are the specific priorities in our major fields of interest:
Arts:
- Programs that benefit youth or underserved populations
- Organizations with a long track record of artistic excellence
- Projects that enhance the organization’s ability to build audience or generate contributed income
Animal Welfare:
- Prevention programs that address the causes of animal overpopulation, abuse, neglect and homelessness (for example, spay/neuter programs, instruction in responsible pet ownership, and humane animal care and training instruction);
- Programs that rescue, provide care and find safe homes for abused or abandoned animals;
- Programs that enable people (seniors, disabled, etc.) to keep their pets at home, such as pet food delivery, donated or subsidized veterinary care, etc.
Community and Social Services:
- Programs that provide direct support to disadvantaged youth and low income elderly
- Prevention programs that address critical community concerns such as gang and domestic violence and child abuse and substance abuse
- Collaborative programs for employment development and affordable housing
Education:
- After school programs that have demonstrated success at improving literacy and mathematics and science skills
- Programs that develop appreciation or skill in the arts
Environment:
- Programs that achieve improvements in environmental quality
- Activities that involve people directly in conservation activities
Health:
- Programs that promote healthy lifestyles
- Programs that extend the quality of life and prevent premature institutionalization
Historic Preservation
A. Preservation of Historic Structures and Gardens
To be eligible for a historic preservation grant, the structure proposed for preservation must be at least 50 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- It has value as a significant reminder of the cultural, historical, architectural, or archaeological heritage of the city, county, state or nation;
- Its location is the site of a significant local, state or national event;
- It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, county, state or nation;
- It is identified as the work of a master builder, landscaper, designer, or architect whose individual work has influenced the development of the city, county, state or nation;
- Its value as a building is recognized for the quality of architecture, and it retains sufficient elements showing its architectural significance;
- It has distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style valuable for the study of a period, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials;
- It is listed by historic societies in Monterey County as a historic site;
- It is in a suitable condition for preservation or restoration as determined by technical experts.
B. Preservation of Historic Artifacts
To be eligible for a historic preservation grant, the artifact proposed for preservation must be at least 50 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- It has value as a significant reminder of the cultural and historical heritage of the city, county, state or nation (significance is defined by the artifact's rarity and scarcity in this, or other, collections);
- It is identified with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the development of the city, county, state or nation;
- It is identified as the work of a master local designer, artist or craftsperson;
- It has distinguishing characteristics of a style valuable for the study of a period, method of creation, or use of indigenous materials;
- It is in a suitable condition for preservation or restoration as determined by technical experts.
C. Education for Historic Preservation
- Education programs that encourage people of all ages to appreciate and take action to protect and preserve the history and culture of the region;
- Local history education programs that foster a sense of belonging, continuity and identity.
D. Planning Grants for Historic Preservation
Planning grants are considered for the following purposes:
- To conduct an inventory of historical resources and maintain comprehensive records of these resources;
- To assess, develop and adopt criteria for the rehabilitation of historic structures;
- To establish policies and guidelines for a comprehensive historic resources plan.
Exclusions:
The Community Foundation does not make grants to:
- Support individuals, religious activities, scholarships, fellowships, travel, research, salaries and other operating expenses of schools and public agencies, annual campaigns or special events
- Create or add to endowment funds
- Pay off debt
Questions?
Please call the Grants Administrator at 375-9712 X-11 or the Senior Program Officer at 375-9712 X-14
