2017 NGP Grantees Build Community

From teaching boxing and fitness as ways to encourage and empower youth to be healthy, to providing support for Spanish-speaking parents with special needs children, the 2017 Community Foundation for Monterey County Neighborhood Grants Program (NGP) grantees have varied missions in mind.

All, however, are small, grassroots organizations working to improve their communities.

The Community Foundation is committed to supporting resident-led groups invested in giving back to the community. Through our Neighborhood Grants Program, we’re able to award grants to local projects that might find it difficult to receive funding from traditional grant sources.” – Aurelio Salazar Jr., CFMC Program Officer

This year 15 grassroots groups from throughout Monterey County were selected to receive financial support and additional assistance to organize ongoing activities in their neighborhoods.

Grants ranged from $2,000-$4,000 with a total of $50,000 awarded. Since its inception in 1997, more than $975,000 has been awarded through NGP grants.

2017 Neighborhood Grant Program Recipients

Castroville Midnighters Car Club (Castroville) – $3,800 for annual food, clothing and toy drive in North County

Ciclovía (Salinas) – $2,000 for Ciclovía Salinas

Families of Color Monterey County (Monterey Peninsula) – $4,000 for family networking and activities for families of color

Helping U Get Support (HUGS) (Salinas) – $3,500 for emergency crisis intervention for women and homeless women support

King City Dance Team (King City) – $3,000 for dance instruction and performances for preschoolers and teens

LULAC Youth Council #2087 (Salinas) – $3,500 for farmworker youth leadership training and community service projects

Monterey Peninsula NAACP Youth Council (Seaside) – $4,000 for youth leadership training and annual summit

Padres de Niños Especiales del Sur del Condado (Soledad) – $4,000 for monthly meeting expenses, recreational activities, and end-of-year convening

Palenke Arts (Seaside) – $3,500 for music and dance instruction

Pearl Status Club (Marina) – $3,800 for youth empowerment and mentoring

Peña Cultural (Salinas) – $2,400 for artist networking and sharing

Seaside Thrives Community Group (Seaside) – $2,800 for playground revitalization and tenant leadership building

Team Villa Boxing (Salinas) – $3,700 for youth boxing training and mentoring

United Castroville Neighbors (Castroville) – $2,000 for a neighborhood block party to strengthen community safety

Yaocuauhtli Danza Cultural (Salinas) – $4,000 for Aztec dance instruction and free community events

To learn more or apply, visit www.cfmco.org/ngp.