The Community Foundation for Monterey County works with individuals, families and businesses to design customized giving plans to make an impact now and in the future. The Foundation makes grants to create healthy, safe, vibrant communities in Monterey County and beyond.
The Foundation serves as a design studio for philanthropy, creating a bridge for generous people looking to meet community needs. With our in-depth local knowledge our team works with you to share giving opportunities and benefit the causes you care about.
The CFMC offers a wide range of giving options including donor advised funds and life-income gifts. What sets us apart is the personal service we provide, our community leadership and our goal to strengthen our communities, now and in the future. We are “Here for Good.”
million granted in 2023, including $2 million in scholarships and $2 million from Monterey County Storm Relief Fund
million in cumulative grantmaking since 1981
million in assets
million in gifts, including $11.9 from Monterey County Gives!
charitable funds
To inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County
Healthy, safe, vibrant communities
The CFMC is committed to being a leader and a catalyst in advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) throughout the region we serve. See resources on building more equitable nonprofits from our Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Founded in 1945 as “the Monterey Foundation” with a focus on historic preservation of the adobes, the foundation expanded its scope to open space preservation, broad charitable purposes and building endowment in the 1970s. Grantmaking expanded countywide and the organization became “Community Foundation for Monterey County” in 1984.
The National Standards Seal indicates official confirmation from the Council on Foundations that we have met the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. It affirms our commitment to sound financial management, open, competitive, and relevant grantmaking, and honoring donors’ wishes at all times.
I love the ‘can-do’ attitude of the CFMC
I love the ‘can-do’ attitude of the CFMC
I love the CFMC’s list of nonprofit opportunities for giving. It helps me focus on where my donations can be most effective.
I love the CFMC’s list of nonprofit opportunities for giving. It helps me focus on where my donations can be most effective.
Senior Vice President Philanthropic Services
Find ways to connect with us throughout the year.
To view all Center for Nonprofit Excellence events and other workshops for nonprofits, view our workshops calendar.
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Monterey Office
2354 Garden Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Salinas Office
945 South Main Street, Suite 207
Salinas, CA 93901
Home page background photos
courtesy of Chris Burnham
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