ABOUT US

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.

YOUR PARTNER IN GIVING

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.”

At a Glance

million granted in 2023, including $2 million in scholarships and $2 million from Monterey County Storm Relief Fund

$ 0

million in cumulative grantmaking since 1981

$ 0

million in assets

$ 0

million in gifts, including $11.9 from Monterey County Gives!

$ 0

charitable funds

0 +

MISSION, VISION, VALUES

MISSION

To inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County

VISION

Healthy, safe, vibrant communities

VALUES

We advance positive change through grantmaking, community engagement and collaboration.
We build a legacy for future generations through responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.
We operate with the highest standards of integrity, ethics and accountability.
We embrace diversity, equity and inclusion.
We commit to fairness and respect for the dignity of all people.
We are open and honest with our philanthropic partners, grantees and the community.
We strive for excellence in all that we do.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY and INCLUSION

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.

HISTORY

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.

Learn More

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION?

NATIONAL STANDARDS

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.