ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Organizational Development (OD) Grants support focused, strategic projects that strengthen a nonprofit’s ability to be resilient now and in the future.

Through a boost from an Organizational Development (OD) grant, Monterey County nonprofits can make progress on unique, non-recurring management or leadership situations. OD grants are reviewed by our Center for Nonprofit Excellence staff.

At a Glance


Grant Amount	$5,000 - $10,000
Application Deadlines	Year-round
Characteristics	Proposals meet eligibility requirements and Demonstrate a vision for organizational growth. Clearly describe what will be different about the organization as a result of the capacity building project and how success will be measured. Include realistic budgets that demonstrate comprehensive support for the project’s success. Detail a plan that makes sense with the necessary financial and human resources for implementation. Leaders take an active role and are guided by assessment, feedback, learning and improvement.
Application and Reporting	After reading guidelines, contact a Center for Nonprofit Excellence staff person before applying Online application Reporting also online
Decision	Typically made within two months of receipt of a complete proposal.

Examples of Successful OD Projects

A growing organization invested in leadership and fundraising infrastructure to help diversify revenue and focus capital campaign outreach. This included a donor database integration, upgrade and staff training.
A growing organization with a history of community impact designed a comprehensive project with a professional consultant to guide its staff and board through a founder ’ s leadership transition. The consultant mentored incoming leaders and facili tated a program of transition for continuity and institutional knowledge.
An emerging organization received funding for a consultant to facilitate its first-ever strategic planning process. The board identified five priority areas and created work groups around them. As a result, members felt energized and more connected to each other and the mission and vision of the organization.

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 Organizational Development grant, as long as it is not for the same project as that of the collaborative.
Organizations may receive an Impact grant, Small grant, and an Organizational Development 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 usif your organization has not yet received its nonprofit status and plans to apply in conjunction with a fiscal sponsor.

All organizations applying for a grant must be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC grants.

Guidelines and Application

Before submitting your application for a grant:

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

Please review the application questions, then review how to apply for a grant. Search this Nonprofit Consultant Directory for support in finding a consultant for your project.

Evaluation

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

Apply for a grant

Online grants manager

Recent Grants


Organization	Purpose	Amount Awarded
Alliance on Aging Inc.	Expanded capacity to lead and complete multi-sector planning effort	$8,500
Aromas Community Center Foundation	Board and fund development coaching	$5,000
BirchBark Foundation	Organizational assessment and strategic planning process	$10,000
COPA Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action	Bilingual "making the ask" training	$5,000
Monterey Audubon Society	Strategic planning 2025	$7,500
Monterey Peninsula College Foundation	Elevating awareness, access and engagement	$6,650
United Way Monterey County	Succession planning and staff leadership retreat	$5,000