COVID-19 Relief Fund

COVID-19 Relief Fund

The Community Foundation for Monterey County is grateful to our many generous donors and has awarded more than $4 million in COVID-19 Relief Fund grants. 

Covid-19 Relief Fund

The COVID-19 Relief Fund addresses the immediate and longer-term needs of our region’s most vulnerable residents. The Community Foundation for Monterey County created the fund in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation to help those affected by the impact of the Coronavirus in Monterey County.

Monterey County is a caring, resilient and generous community. More than $4.1 million has been granted through February 2022. The CFMC is not able to make additional grants at this time. We welcome additional donations to support future Relief Fund grantmaking 

Read the COVID-19 Relief Impact report for a list of grantees and other efforts.

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100% For Grantmaking

Donations to the fund support nonprofits addressing community needs in human services, health, housing and education, and will make grants to organizations providing aid to impacted individuals and families in Monterey County. The fund is a trusted repository for philanthropic assets to be directed specifically for this purpose. 100% of donations will be used for grantmaking.

Dan Baldwin, President/CEOWe’re concerned about community health, and people facing economic hardship and food insecurity now and in the months to come. By being proactive during times of uncertainty, we can come together to respond to the evolving needs of our diverse community.” – Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO

How to Give

Those wishing to contribute can:

  • Make a secure, tax-deductible online donation
  • Mail a check payable to “Community Foundation for Monterey County” with “COVID-19 Relief Fund” in the memo line to: 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940.
  • Call 831.375.9712 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Cash donations are not accepted.
  • Contribute stock or make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Please contact Christine Dawson or call 831.375.9712 x126 for instructions.
  • If you are a CFMC donor advisor, you can request a grant through Donor Central or contact your Philanthropic Services Officer to learn more or make a grant.

Donate Now

Foundation leaders are monitoring how the Coronavirus impacts our community and will deploy additional financial resources to best meet evolving needs. Thank you to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Posey Family Foundation, CFMC donor advisors, individual and business donors for their support.

We are proud to collaborate with other local funders to provide a quick financial response, lending support to our community in this unexpected time of need.” – Steve John, Monterey Peninsula Foundation Tournament Director and CEO

Apply for a Grant

March 2, 2022 – The Community Foundation for Monterey County is grateful to our many generous donors and has awarded more than $4.1 million in grants from the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The CFMC is not able to make additional grants at this time. We welcome additional donations to support Relief Fund grantmaking and will provide updates here. 

Nonprofits assisting those impacted by the Coronavirus are invited to apply for a grant. Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see grant guidelines at www.cfmco.org/COVIDReliefGrants.

COVID-19 Relief Fund Grantees

The COVID-19 Relief Fund began making grants to Monterey County nonprofits on March 21, 2020. Additional grants may be made depending on contributions to the fund.

COVID-19 Relief Fund Grantees

Organization Name Amount Awarded Program Name
ACTION Council of Monterey County $15,000 COVID-19 direct support for families
AIM for Mental Health $30,000 AIM Ideas Lab for Youth Mental Health
Alisal Education Foundation $30,000 Emergency financial support for families (Alisal in East Salinas)
Alliance on Aging $10,000 COVID-19: iPads for resident/family communications
ALS Association Golden West Chapter $30,000 COVID-19 program support for 25 families
ALS Association Golden West Chapter $30,000 ALS care support
American Cancer Society $30,000 COVID-19 program support for Monterey County residents
American Cancer Society  $30,000 Cancer patient services and COVID-19 recovery
American Red Cross of the Central Coast $30,000 Support for Blood Drive and relief programs due to the COVID-19 crisis in Monterey County
American Red Cross of the Central Coast $30,000 Support for Blood Drive and relief programs due to the COVID-19 crisis (second grant)
American Red Cross of the Central Coast $10,252 COVID-19 Antibody Testing
ARIEL Theatrical $15,000 Support for program and staffing gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
Arts Council for Monterey County $20,000 Emergency support for artists
Arts Council for Monterey County $25,000 COVID-19 distance learning for arts education
Arts Council for Monterey County  $30,000 Financial support for individual artists
Beacon House $30,000 Continuing treatment scholarship fund
Blind & Visually Impaired Center of Monterey County, Inc. $12,000 Support for program revisions due to the COVID-19 crisis
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County $15,000 Nutrition support for families – COVID-19 response
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County $25,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County $25,000 COVID-19 supplies, signage and summer learning kits
Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County $20,000 Increased special needs grant requests due to COVID-19
Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County $30,000 Continued special needs grant requests due to COVID-19
Breast Cancer Assistance Group of Monterey County 15,000 Special needs grants
California Coastal Rural Development Corporation $20,000 COVID-19 operational support
California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc $30,000 Increase access to unemployment benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19
Carmel Foundation $20,000 Low-income housing for seniors
Carmel Foundation $13,900 Curbside meals to go for seniors
Caroline’s Pantry Inc. $10,000 Food distribution program (North Monterey County)
CASA of Monterey County $15,000 Operating support – foster youth advocacy program impacted by COVID
Castroville Coalition $10,000 Direct support for North Monterey County residents
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey $30,000 Direct financial assistance
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey $30,000 COVID-19 support for families and funeral costs
Center for Community Advocacy (DBA CCA) $20,000 COVID-19 Community Outreach Support
Center for Community Advocacy (DBA CCA) $30,000 COVID-19 Community Outreach Support
Central Coast Center for Independent Living $30,000 COVID-19 food and housing support for residents with disabilities
Central Coast VNA & Hospice $12,000 Emergency medical supplies for clinicians
Central Coast VNA & Hospice $12,400 Emergency medical supplies for clinicians (second grant)
Central Coast YMCA $50,000 Emergency child care for Monterey County essential workers due to COVID-19
Centro Binacional para el Desarrollo Indigena Oaxaqueño $10,000 Support for program gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
CHISPA $20,000 COVID-19: Resident Relief
CHISPA $30,000 COVID-19 CHISPA emergency relief funds
City of Gonzales $30,000 Gonzales Together program: emergency support for families (Gonzales and Chualar)
Coalition of Homeless Services Providers $50,000 Project Refuge: motel housing for vulnerable homeless individuals
Coalition of Homeless Services Providers $26,000 Countywide sanitation stations for people experiencing homelessness
Coalition of Homeless Services Providers $30,000 Sanitation stations
Coastal Kids Home Care $25,000 Capacity building for COVID -19
Community Association of Big Sur $30,000 COVID-19: Direct support for unemployed in Big Sur
Community Association of Big Sur $30,000 COVID-19: Direct support for vulnerable individuals and families in Big Sur (second distribution)
Community Association of Big Sur $30,000 Food Insecurity in Big Sur
Community Bridges $10,000 Direct support for individuals and families ineligible for unemployment benefits in Monterey County
Community Bridges $20,000 Vaccination Enrollment Program in Monterey County
Community Homeless Solutions $30,000 Expansion of homeless shelter and housing services due to COVID-19 in Monterey County
Community Homeless Solutions $30,000 COVID-19 operating support, washer/dryer, and hotel vouchers
Community Homeless Solutions $30,000 Operating support
Community Human Services $30,000 Operating support –  COVID-19 response
Community Partnership for Youth $10,000 COVID-19 support for students and families
Community Partnership for Youth 50,000 on campus and remote mentoring, tutoring and student support
Dentistry 4 Vets $15,000 COVID-19 support: personal protective equipment
Dentistry 4 Vets $5,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Dentistry 4 Vets $30,000 Operating Support
Door to Hope $15,975 Direct support for clients – COVID-19 response
Easter Seals Central California $15,000 COVID-19 expenses (Monterey County) and operating support
Eden Housing, Inc. $19,900 Emergency fund to support low-income tenants (Monterey County)
El Pajaro Community Development Corporation $30,000 Emergency loan program for Monterey County micro and small businesses
Elkhorn Slough Foundation $20,000 COVID-19 Healthy Lands, Helping Hands program support
Everyone’s Harvest $10,000 COVID-19 organizational support for safe access to healthy food
Family Service Agency of the Central Coast $20,000 COVID-19 support for suicide prevention services
First 5 Monterey County $30,000 Essential supplies for families with children 0-5: (diapers, wipes, formula)
Food Bank for Monterey County $50,000 Emergency food assistance for COVID-19 health crisis
Food Bank for Monterey County $50,000 Emergency food assistance for COVID-19 health crisis
Food Bank for Monterey County $50,000 Additional emergency food assistance for COVID-19 health crisis
Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries $12,000 Safe reopening
Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra $37,000 Serve homeless clients and provide special care and education for COVID-19
Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra $69,687 Dorothy’s Place – Phase II COVID-19 relief
Franciscan Workers of Junipero Serra $52,700 Dorothy’s Place housing unit repair
Gateway Center of Monterey $10,000 Program support (equipment, games, personal protection equipment) – COVID-19 response
Gateway Center of Monterey $7,000 Personal protection equipment
Gathering for Women-Monterey $20,000 Wellness support for homeless women
Gathering for Women-Monterey $30,000 COVID-19 operating support
Hartnell College Foundation $30,000 Emergency relief scholarships and technological support
Hartnell College Foundation $30,000 COVID-19 financial and mental health aid
Health Projects Center $30,000 COVID-19 organizational and program support
Hollister Youth Alliance $20,000 Direct support for low income San Benito County residents
HumanGood Foundation West $25,000 COVID-19 Cupboards of Care support: Pacific Meadows
Independent Transportation Network Monterey County $20,000 COVID-19 collaborative meal delivery program for seniors
Interim, Inc. $11,000 Support for bedding, clothing, and food gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services $25,000 Emergency financial assistance for medically fragile children in Monterey County
Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services $30,000 Direct and programmatic support for families
Jews Christians Muslims United $5,000 Food/supplies for Abraham’s Tent feeding program
Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower $20,000 Social-Emotional safety skills training – COVID-19 response
Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower $10,000 From Trauma to Thriving: Social-Emotional, Mental Health Programs
Kidpower Teenpower Fullpower $20,000 Long-Term COVID-19 Impacts
Kinship Center, A Member of Seneca Family of Agencies $10,000 Emergency fund to support kin caregivers and children – COVID-19 response
Kinship Center, A Member of Seneca Family of Agencies $10,000 Emergency fund to support vulnerable children and families – COVID-19 response
Kinship Center, A Member of Seneca Family of Agencies 15,000 COVID-19 operating support
Kinship Center, A Member of Seneca Family of Agencies 15,000 Support for Monterey County foster-involved youth
Lambourne Institute for Life Mastery $9,000 Food security assistance for families
Learning Time, Inc. $5,000 COVID-19 Remote based program support
Legal Services for Seniors $15,000 Legal services and outreach
Loaves, Fishes & Computers $18,000 Computers for low-income families
Loaves, Fishes & Computers $30,000 Computers for low-income families (second grant)
Marketplace Meets Mission dba Love Our Central Coast $20,000 Homeless feeding and hygiene kits for encampments
Martha’s Kitchen $10,000 Monterey County Meal Program
Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula $25,000 Support for program gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula $30,000 Home Delivered Meals Program for the Monterey Peninsula
Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley $25,000 Support for program gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
Montage Health Foundation $50,000 COVID-19 vaccine clinic support
Monterey College of Law $21,880 Legal and mediation services for low and no-income Monterey County residents – COVID-19 response
Monterey County Association of Families Caring for Children $10,000 Basic needs for foster parents in Monterey County
Monterey County Health Department $36,000 Increase COVID-19 laboratory testing capacity
Monterey County Office of Education $30,000 Closing the digital divide for Monterey County schools
Monterey County Rape Crisis Center $20,000 COVID-19 operational support
Monterey County Symphony Association $25,000 COVID-19 Organizational Support
Monterey Museum of Art $25,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Monterey Peninsula College Foundation $30,000 COVID-19 Student Relief Program
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District $30,000 Temporary shelter and basic needs for homeless students and families
National Center for Youth Law $20,000 Support for youth experiencing homelessness
National Laboratory for Education Transformation $29,250 Monterey County Online Algebra Boot Camp
Natividad Medical Foundation $29,500 COVID-19 emergency resources for limited English proficient/indigenous people
Natividad Medical Foundation $30,000 COVID-19 prevention program for farm workers
Natividad Medical Foundation $30,000 Free COVID-19 testing for farmworkers
Natividad Medical Foundation $25,132 COVID-19 testing and prevention equipment
Natividad Medical Foundation $22,000 COVID-19 vaccine distribution freezer
Neighbors Helping Neighbors $10,000 Food distribution and senior lunch programs (Aromas)
North Monterey County Unified School District $5,500 Wi-Fi tablets
Order of Malta Western Association $5,000 Hygiene Kit distribution in Monterey County
Order of Malta Western Association $5,000 Hygiene Kit distribution in Monterey County
Orphan Productions $21,845 COVID-19 support for Safe Parking Program
Outreach Unlimited $15,000 I-HELP program on the Monterey Peninsula related to COVID-19
Outreach Unlimited $16,000 I-HELP Covid-19 continued support
Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance $15,000 Covid-19 relief to cover Related-Mental Health Impact
Palenke Arts $25,000 Emergency financial support for immigrant families (Seaside)
Palenke Arts $25,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Palenke Arts $5,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Palenke Arts $10,000 Direct relief aid for vulnerable families in Seaside
Partnership for Children $20,000 Emergency financial assistance children in Monterey County
PG Steam $5,000 COVID-19 face masks
Planned Parenthood Mar Monte $20,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Rancho Cielo $17,500 Rancho Cielo Emergency Food Bag Program
Rights Counsel (DBA: Immigrants Rights Counsel) $30,000 COVID-19 operational support
Rights Counsel DBA: Immigrants Rights Counsel $30,000 COVID-19 operating support
Rights Counsel DBA: Immigrants Rights Counsel $30,000 COVID-19 operating support
Sabu Shake Sr Memorial Foundation $13,000 Meals – homeless community, Salvation Army transitional housing residents and hospitality workers
Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation $30,000 COVID-19 support for patients and staff of SVMHS
Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps $50,000 Direct financial assistance
Salvation Army Monterey Peninsula Corps $30,000 Additional COVID-19 family relief
Salvation Army, Salinas Corps $50,000 Direct financial assistance
Salvation Army, Salinas Corps $50,000 Meals for homeless in Salinas warming shelter and encampments
Salvation Army, Salinas Corps $30,000 Feeding program
Santa Cruz Community Ventures $25,000 Direct financial aid for undocumented workers and families in Monterey County
Santa Cruz Community Ventures $50,000 COVID-19 operating and program support
Santa Cruz Community Ventures $50,000 COVID-19 operating and program support
Santa Cruz Community Ventures $30,000 COVID-19 program support
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County $10,000 Pajaro Valley COVID-19 relief
Sol Treasures $5,000 Support for program gaps due to the COVID-19 crisis
Sol Treasures $25,000 COVID-19 organizational support
Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital dba Mee Memorial Hospital $30,000 Emergency medical funding
Southern Monterey County Memorial Hospital dba Mee Memorial Hospital $27,000 Ultra-cold freezer
Special Kids Connect $10,000 COVID-19: academic support for children with special needs
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart Parish $6,000 Increase food allocation and provide appropriate sanitation supplies
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart Parish $12,000 Food pantry support
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart Parish $12,000 COVID-19 food distribution
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Sacred Heart Parish $15,000 Food bank support
Sun Street Centers $24,300 COVID-19 Food, safety, and communication supplies
Sun Street Centers $30,000 COVID-19 food, safety, and communication supplies
The Marina Foundation $5,000 Marina Seniors Emergency Fund
The Marina Foundation $10,000 Senior meals program (Marina)
The Village Project, Inc. $10,000 Direct assistance for After School Academy families affected by layoffs
The Village Project, Inc. $25,000 COVID-19 organizational support
This Club Saves Lives $5,000 Weekly food boxes to families in Big Sur and Carmel Valley
UFW Foundation $30,000 Staff assistance to aid farm workers in Monterey County
United States Healthful Food Council, Inc. DBA Eat REAL $5,000 COVID-19 face masks for Monterey County school food service workers
United Way Monterey County $30,000 Informal Child Care Providers (Family, Friends and Neighbors) Relief Program
United Way Monterey County $10,000 COVID-19 vaccine registration support – 211 Call Center
United Way Monterey County $30,000 211 Information and Referral Line
Valley Health Associates $29,625 Mobile Clinic – substance and opioid disorders treatment
Veterans Transition Center $30,000 Food pantry
YWCA Monterey County $30,000 Adaptation of existing programs to ensure 24/7 safety of our Domestic Violence Shelter
YWCA Monterey County $30,000 COVID-19 undocumented workers program support

COVID-19 Information & Resources

Read our Responding to COVID-19 blog for resources for individuals, nonprofits and businesses:

Responding to COVID-19

Updated April 30, 2020