Big Sur, California — The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is pleased to announce the establishment of the Butch Kronlund Endowment Fund for the Community Association of Big Sur, an endowed fund to benefit the Community Association of Big Sur (CABS). The endowment is named in memory of the late Butch Kronlund, former Executive Director of CABS, whose leadership and legacy laid the foundation for a safe, healthy and sustainable future for Big Sur.
Made possible through the generosity and vision of two long-time CABS supporters, the fund seeks to strengthen the organization’s future through permanent charitable investment. In December 2025, an anonymous donor established the Butch Kronlund Endowment Fund for the Community Association of Big Sur with a $100,000 gift, creating a lasting source of support for the CABS mission while honoring the legacy of Butch Kronlund.
In January 2026, the CABS Board approved a $100,000 match from the Community Association of Big Sur Resilience Stewardship Fund, bringing the endowment to $200,000. Longtime CABS supporters, the Kleissner Family, previously established the Stewardship Fund with a significant gift in 2023. Growing the endowment continues their long-term vision of creating a permanent financial resource in support of the people and places of Big Sur.
The CABS Board is deeply grateful to these founding contributors and seeks to grow this fund with additional support from all those who appreciate the special nature of Big Sur. This strategic step ensures long-term support for CABS’ mission to protect the character and natural beauty of Big Sur and to support the health, safety, and welfare of the Big Sur community.
“Butch would be both honored and humbled by this gift of an endowed fund that reflects his commitment to be of service to the Big Sur community with his thoughts, words and actions.” said Patte Kronlund, Executive Director of CABS.
“He would be the first to say that everything is relational, especially when it comes to Big Sur. I am deeply touched by these gifts which demonstrate the work and commitment of the CABS organization for 60 years. We are proud to partner with our donors and the CFMC to steward these resources wisely,” she continued.
A Stronger Future for Big Sur
Endowed funds are permanent charitable resources invested for long-term growth. As the Endowment Fund grows through future donations, the income generated annually from the CABS Endowment Fund will provide a reliable stream of funding to support CABS programs, advocacy and emergency response work along the Big Sur coast. In times of economic uncertainty or natural disaster, the fund will help ensure the continuity of CABS’ essential services.
CABS has partnered with CFMC since 2013, including collaboration to provide disaster relief to community members most affected by wildfires, floods and road closures. CFMC provides philanthropic expertise, investment management and stewardship to support nonprofits like CABS in achieving long-term impact.
“A healthy endowment empowers nonprofits to enhance their missions by providing financial stability to pursue their work in changing economic times,” said Dan Baldwin, President/CEO of the CFMC. “We are honored to support CABS in strengthening their future.”
Community members who value the preservation of Big Sur’s natural and cultural heritage are invited to contribute to the CABS Endowment Fund to help ensure a vibrant, resilient future for the region.
To learn more about the CABS Endowment Fund or to make a gift, visit cfmco.org/CABS or call 831.375.9712.
Butch would be both honored and humbled by this gift of an endowed fund that reflects his commitment to be of service to the Big Sur community with his thoughts, words and actions.”
About CABS
The Community Association of Big Sur (CABS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the rural and residential character of Big Sur and supporting the quality of life, health, safety, and welfare of the Big Sur community. Through its core pillars of connection, resilience, and stewardship, CABS advocates for the needs of the Big Sur community, strengthens preparedness and recovery from wildfires and other natural disasters, and promotes responsible visitation and shared stewardship of this extraordinary place. CABS works in partnership with residents, agencies, and organizations to support a safe, sustainable, and thriving future for Big Sur.
About the CFMC - Local Stewardship, Long-Term Impact
Founded in 1945, the CFMC works with individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits to create philanthropic funds that make a meaningful and lasting impact in Monterey County. With $420 million in assets and more than 800 funds, the CFMC is uniquely positioned to support nonprofits like CABS through investment management, philanthropic expertise and endowment services.
Ways to give
There are many ways to support the Butch Kronlund Endowment Fund for the Community Association of Big Sur.
- Donate directly and securely online:
- Send checks made payable to “Community Foundation for Monterey County” or “CFMC” with “Butch Kronlund Endowment Fund for the Community Association of Big Sur” in the memo line. Mail to: 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940
- To make a gift of stock, IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution or other assets, please call the CFMC Office at 831.375.9712.
Donations to the Butch Kronlund Endowment Fund for the Community Association of Big Sur of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) are tax deductible. The CFMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, tax ID #94-1615897.