
Impact & Initiatives
The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) makes a meaningful difference to donors, nonprofit organizations and the individuals who benefit from their services, working together towards a vision of “healthy, safe, vibrant communities.”
Giving fuels grantmaking, grantmaking creates impact and impact attracts philanthropic resources. – Dan Baldwin, President/CEO
InitiativesThe CFMC undertakes select programs and initiatives to address community needs. Many initiatives are supported by funding partners seeking to increase their impact through collaboration. Current initiatives include:
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Programs & PartnershipsLEAD (Leadership Education and Development) Institute The LEAD program builds nonprofit leadership and management excellence for the future. A year-long leadership development institute for nonprofit managers aspiring to greater leadership, LEAD serves the diverse communities of Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. Since it began in 2009, over 150 leaders representing over 100 organizations have completed the program. Southern Monterey County Foundation An affiliate fund of the CFMC, the Southern Monterey County Foundation connects local donors with local needs in King City and points south. It is governed by an advisory board of area residents who have a deep understanding of community needs, appreciation for Southern Monterey County and the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. From 2014 through 2021, the SMCF has granted over $168,000 to benefit the communities of Southern Monterey County. Northern Monterey County Foundation An affiliate fund of the CFMC, the Northern Monterey County Foundation partners with a local advisory board to connect local donors with local needs in the North County communities of Aromas, Bolsa Knolls, Boronda, Castroville, Elkhorn, Las Lomas, Moss Landing, Oak Hills, Pajaro, Prunedale, Royal Oaks and Santa Rita. Community Fund for Carmel Valley An affiliate fund of the CFMC, the Community Fund for Carmel Valley partners with a local advisory board to protect and improve the quality of life for all residents in Carmel Valley. Since its creation in 2020, the CFCV has granted $217,242 to projects and programs supporting the greater Carmel Valley area from Highway One to Cahoon Grade. ![]() MC Gives! Monterey County Gives! A partnership with the Monterey County Weekly Community Fund and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Monterey County Gives! inspires millions in gifts each year to benefit participating local nonprofits.
Women’s Fund The Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Women’s Fund invests in women and girls now to create a better future for us all. We bring resources together, identify priorities and fund solutions. Together, we are transforming the lives of women and girls and making a difference in their communities. |
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![]() Legacy Society |
DonorsBy helping donors fulfill their philanthropic vision, the CFMC has been entrusted with charitable assets of over $210 million. We steward those assets to make a difference in our communities and create lasting legacies. |
![]() Neighborhood Grants |
GrantmakingOur donors’ generosity has fueled more than $185 million in grants through 2018, and the CFMC grants more than $18 million annually to benefit hundreds of nonprofits in Monterey County and beyond. |
Impact Stories

SMCF Launches Campaign for the Future

My Scholarship Story: Laura Rivera

Inspiring Philanthropy; Strengthening Communities – 2022 Annual Report
Giving Together: The Food Bank Fire
Together we are stronger. Many generous individuals and families have entrusted the CFMC with their philanthropic vision and resources. This partnership has enabled the CFMC...
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