Blog & Events

Education – the Pathway to Success for Women & Girls

The Challenge Women in Monterey County are sorely lacking in high school diplomas, and more. Surina Khan, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of California reported in her keynote speech at the Community Foundation for Monterey’s Women’s Fund Lunch May 5 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey. “Monterey County has a devastatingly low high school graduation rate – 27 percent of women do...

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President’s Blog – Politics & Philanthropy

It’s been the craziest primary season anyone can remember. Candidates vying to become POTUS while a scrum continues over a nomination to SCOTUS. Angry.  Disenfranchised. Establishment. We endure these words on a daily basis. It dominates the air waves, family discussions, book clubs, golf talk, water coolers, you name it. Generosity – the Common Denominator Somehow, philanthropy maintains its calming place in the eye of...

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Nonprofit Resources & Toolkits

The arrival of spring brings more daylight hours, but not more hours in the day. Time spent frantically searching for a template to revise your bylaws or a sample calendar to guide your communications plan can mean time not spent delivering programs or meeting your mission. The good news is that templates, guides and other helpful resources are just a few...

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Comparing Financial Aid Award Letters

You’ve applied to college, submitted your FAFSA and Cal grant Applications, received your Student Aid Report, been accepted to one or more colleges, and now have financial aid award letters to compare. Understanding your financial aid award letters is critical to comparing the costs of attending different colleges. Understanding your financial aid award letters is critical to comparing the costs...

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Inside Grants and Programs – “Grantmaking Plus”

Everything we do at the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is connected to our mission: “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” – Laurel Lee-Alexander,  CFMC Vice President Grants & Programs Strengthening Nonprofits What does that mean to the Grants and Programs team? In a nutshell, by strengthening the nonprofit sector, we strengthen communities. ...

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Fueling the Potential of Women & Girls

Improving Women’s Well-Being in Monterey County Just how are women in Monterey County faring when it comes to key well-being factors such as health, personal safety, earning rates and political empowerment? Monterey County is ranked #38 out of the California’s 58 counties, according to the California Budget & Policy Center’s “California Women’s Well-Being Index” report released March 29, 2016. “The California...

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Donor Advised Fund Enhances Philanthropy

Investing in the Community – Kevin Cartwright & Steve Eimer Kevin Cartwright and her husband Steve Eimer have long been investors in our community. They began working with the CFMC after a good year financially, and created the Eimer/Cartwright donor advised fund which eased their tax situation. “We had been aware of the Foundation’s great reputation,” said Kevin, “and after learning...

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