Community Impact Grants 2012

GrantmakingFrameworkCoverThe Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) recently adopted a bold new strategic plan that embraces a countywide vision of Healthy, Safe and Vibrant Communities. With this vision as our guide, the CFMC’s new grants program focuses on the people and places of Monterey County, highlighting impact and seeking measurable results.

The Community Impact Grants (formerly known as the General Endowment) will address critical issues and opportunities in four primary areas that advance the Foundation’s mission and vision for Monterey County. Under each program area, we have defined specific funding priorities that build upon our past grantmaking and initiatives, and are based on an analysis of local needs, assets and opportunities for achieving strategic results. The four pogram areas are: 

PeoplePuzzlePiece

Investing in Our People

  • Building Blocks

  • Basic Needs

  • Wellness
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Strengthening Our Communities

  • Community Engagement

  • Economic Opportunity

  • Healthy Places and Spaces
CulturePuzzlePiece

Celebrating Our Cultures

  • Experiences

  • Creativity

  • Heritage
EnvironmentPuzzlePiece

Stewarding Our Environment

  • Environmental Engagement

  • Animal Welfare

Information for Grantseekers

Community Impact Grants are made from the numerous unrestricted and field of interest funds established by donors over the years. Approximately $2 million will be available for impact grants. Grant awards are expected to range from $10,000 to $50,000. Grants greater than $50,000 may be considered for larger and collaborative ventures, but are the exception. These grants focus on work aligned with one or more of the CFMC’s priorities described in our grantmaking framework. In selecting grantees, we seek to invest in community organizations that share our goals and demonstrate the potential to accomplish meaningful results. We are particularly interested in supporting innovation, collaboration and effective approaches that address critical community challenges, underserved populations and service gaps. Funded organizations will have evidence of strong community support, capable leadership, and deep knowledge of and involvement in the communities they serve.

Eligibility

Community Impact Grants are open to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving Monterey County residents. Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated may partner with a tax-exempt, 501(c)3 organization which will serve as the Fiscal Sponsor for the proposed grant. The Fiscal Sponsor must agree to be accountable to the CFMC for the programmatic and financial outcomes of the grant and have a signed agreement with the sponsored group verifying the terms of the arrangement. Fiscal Sponsors may submit more than one application on behalf of different sponsored groups and/or their own organization. All organizations applying for a grant should be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC General Endowment (competitive) grants. Individuals are not funded through this program.Only one Community Impact Grant per organization will be awarded annually, unless the grant is to a Fiscal Sponsor or for a multi-organization collaborative project.

Guidelines & Application

Before applying for a Community Impact Grant, please carefully review the guidelines below. Note that the CFMC uses Monterey County's Common Grant Application. If you are applying to another participating funder for the same project, you may use the same application provided to that funder.

Community Impact Guidelines
2012 Common Grant Application

For more information about applying for a Community Impact Grant, contact Janet Shing at janet@cfmco.org or call 831.375.9712 x137.

Supplemental Information 

2011 Information Session Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) December 2011

Investing in Our People Application Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2012.