Impact & Initiatives

Initiatives

The 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:

Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI)

SIEDI (Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative) is a collective journey by nine community-based organizations with a shared commitment to build a more inclusive and equitable economy for the families and communities of the Salinas Valley.  SIEDI is funded by a $3 million grant from The James Irvine Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands (GHGH)

This six-agency collaborative empowers girls by providing leadership training and activities, access to health information, research and advocacy.

Past Initiatives include Community Leadership Project, Women’s Economic Security, Building Healthy Communities, Communities Advancing the Arts, Literacy Campaign for Monterey County, Non-Point Source Pollution Project and Monitoring, Poder Popular and Social Network Support Project.

Programs & Partnerships

2022 LEAD Cohort

LEAD (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.

SMCF Supporters

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.

North 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.

CFCV Advisory Board

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 2021 Reboot

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.

Donors

By 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.

Grantmaking

Our 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.