Opportunity

CFMC’s small Opportunity grants program address a wide spectrum of needs.

Applications are accepted year round for grants to support emerging organizations and ventures, urgent needs and other time-sensitive efforts where a small amount of money will make a difference.  Opportunity grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000.  While larger grants (up to $10,000) may be considered, they are the exception.

Opportunity At a Glance

Eligibility

• 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally-sponsored organizations, and occasionally, other unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents.
• Fiscal sponsors may submit applications for more than one sponsored group, as well as applications for their own organization.
• Individual organizations within a collaborative applying for a grant may also apply for their own Opportunity Grant, as long as it is not for the same project as that of the collaborative.
• Organizations may receive a Community Impact grant and an Opportunity grant in the same calendar year, as long as the grants are not for the same purpose.
• Businesses and individuals are not eligible, with the exception of social enterprises associated with a local nonprofit.
• Please contact us if your organization has not yet received its nonprofit status and plans to apply in conjunction with a fiscal sponsor.

Guidelines and Application

Before submitting your application for a grant:

1. Review the Opportunity Grant Guidelines and application
2. Review the list below of recent grants
3. Have a conversation with CFMC staff

Applications are accepted year-round and funding decisions are generally made within eight weeks of submitting an application.

How to Apply

Evaluation

The final report is due within one year of receiving a grant.

Evaluation Components:

1. An expense report, detailing how the funds were spent. All grantees will use the same expense report form.
2. A narrative evaluation in which you report how the grant was used, the impact it had on your organization and/or community, what you have learned, and your next steps.

Online Grants Manager

Recent Grants