CFMC Funds

Southern Monterey County Foundation

The Southern Monterey County Foundation is people helping people to improve the quality of life for local residents.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

The Southern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF) is a way for people to give together to strengthen communities from King City to points south. It is guided by an advisory council of area residents who have a deep understanding of community needs, appreciation for Southern Monterey County and the tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. From 2014 through 2023, the SMCF has granted more than $250,000 to benefit the communities of Southern Monterey County. The SMCF is an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC).

Investing in South County

Campaign for the Future 2024 Annual Celebration

On October 12, 2024, the Advisory Council of the Southern Monterey County Foundation invited supporters to celebrate over 10 years of local giving. Together we are building an endowment to improve the quality of life in Southern Monterey County, now and for future generations. Guests enjoyed delicious food, drink and music by local favorites Steve Bernal and Jeff Pereira of CrossRoads Acoustic, as well as heartfelt words from SMCF Advisory Council Chair, Oscar Avalos, CFMC Senior Vice President Philanthropic Services, Christine Dawson and SMCF Grant Recipient Sol Treasures’ Jude Yriarte.

Impact - Over $250,000 Granted

2023 Grants

In November 2023 the SMCF granted $31,160 to 13 organizations:

  • City of Greenfield for Greenfield Community Science Workshop, ScienceMobile – Science Clinics in San Lucas and San Ardo
  • City of King Recreation Department for 2024 King City Recreation Department Free Swimming Lesson Program
  • Girls Incorporated of the Central Coast for After school prevention program for girls on the impacts of drug, alcohol and tobacco use
  • King City Boxing Club for Providing Positive Activities for Youth in King City
  • Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley, Inc. for SOCOS – South County Seniors Socials
  • O’Neill Sea Odyssey for Ocean Stewardship and Education for King City students
  • Read to Me Project for Home based early literacy and reading development program
  • San Antonio Union School District for 6th Grade Science Camp Tuition
  • San Lucas Union Elementary School District for Hands on Environmental Education
  • Seneca Family of Agencies (dba Kinship Center) for King City Clinic in Support of South County Youth
  • Sol Treasures for Out of school and in school Social Media Empowerment through Art Classes
  • Spay Neuter Imperative Project California (SNIP) for Low-Cost Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinics for Low-Income Southern Monterey County Citizens
  • Special Kids Connect for King City Spring Carnival Resource Fair for Special Needs Families

2023 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2022 Grants

In November 2022 the SMCF granted $23,815 to 14 organizations:

  • City of Greenfield: Greenfield Community Science Workshop
  • City of King Recreation Department
  • Girls Incorporated of the Central Coast
  • Harmony At Home
  • Hesperia Hall Foundation
  • Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services
  • King City Boxing Club
  • Kinship Center, A Member of Seneca Family of Agencies
  • Legal Services for Seniors
  • O’Neill Sea Odyssey
  • Partnership for Children
  • Read to Me Project
  • Sol Treasures
  • Special Kids Connect

2022 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2021 Grants

In November 2021 the SMCF granted $25,300 to 14 organizations:

  • City of King Recreation Department
  • Girls Inc. of the Central Coast
  • Greenfield Community Science Workshop-serving King City and San Ardo
  • Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services
  • King City Boxing Club
  • King City in Bloom
  • Kinship Center
  • Mee Memorial Hospital
  • Monterey College of Law
  • San Antonio Community Betterment Association
  • Sol Treasures
  • South Monterey County Animal Rescue
  • Special Kids Connect
  • The Parenting Connection.

2021 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2020 SMCF Grants

A 2020 grant to Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum helped fund the COVID-19 Oral Histories and Documentary Project

In 2020, the SMCF made grants totaling $21,250 to 13 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, COVID-19 Relief Fund of the CFMC, City of Greenfield: Community Science Workshops, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, King City Boxing Club, Kinship Center, Monterey College of Law, Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life MuseumMonterey County Pops!Partnership for ChildrenSol Treasures, Special Kids Connect, and Sun Street Centers.

2020 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2019 SMCF Grants

In 2019, the SMCF made grants totaling $27,900 to 19 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, City of Greenfield for Greenfield Community Science Workshop, City of King Recreation Department for the city’s Free Swimming Lessons Program, Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, Girls Incorporated of the Central Coast,Hartnell College Foundation, King City Boxing Club, Kinship CenterLegal Services for SeniorsMonterey County Agricultural & Rural Life MuseumMonterey County Pops!, Partnership for ChildrenPortola Butler Continuation High SchoolRancho CieloSalinas Valley Fair, San Antonio Elementary School, Sol TreasuresSun Street CentersYouth Music Monterey.

2019 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2018 SMCF Grants

In 2018, the SMCF made grants totaling $21,000 to 17 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, Central Coast YMCA, City of Greenfield: Greenfield Community Science Workshop, City of King Recreation Department, Community Food Pantry of King City, California State University Monterey Bay, Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, Girls Incorporated of the Central Coast, Harmony At Home, King City Boxing Club, Kinship Center, Legal Services for Seniors, Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, Monterey County Pops!, Partnership for Children, Rancho Cielo, South Monterey County Animal Rescue.

2018 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.

2017 SMCF Grants

In 2017, the SMCF made grants totaling $20,000 to 15 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, City of Greenfield: Greenfield Community Science Workshop, City of King Recreation Department, Community Food Pantry of King CityFoundation for Monterey County Free LibrariesGirls Inc. of the Central Coast, GRID Alternatives Central Coast, King City Boxing Club, Legal Services for Seniors, Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, Monterey County Dance Foundation, Monterey County Pops!Partnership for ChildrenSol TreasuresYWCA Monterey County.

2016 SMCF Grants

In 2016, the SMCF made grants totaling $15,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition, City of King, Community Food Pantry of King City, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, King City in Bloom, Legal Services for Seniors, Monterey County Agriculture & Rural Life Museum, Rancho Cielo, San Antonio Elementary School, Sol Treasures.

2015 SMCF Grants

In 2015, the SMCF made grants totaling $10,100 to seven nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de PaduaCommunity Food Pantry of King CityCSU Monterey BayGirls Inc. of the Central Coast, Legal Services for Seniors, Sol TreasuresYouth Music Monterey.

2014 SMCF Grants

In 2014, the SMCF made grants totaling $25,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for Southern Monterey County residents: Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua, Community Food Pantry of King City, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, Monterey County Agriculture & Rural Life Museum, Rancho Cielo, Salinas Valley Fair, San Bernardo Grange, SMCERTA, Sol Treasures, Youth Music Monterey.

Click the link for grant eligibility and guidelines.

Campaign for the Future – The Dream

The goal of the Campaign for the Future is to ensure that the ever-changing needs of the Southern Monterey County community will be met. Building the Southern Monterey County Foundation creates philanthropic resources to strengthen nonprofits serving the people of South County.

Because the fund is invested to grow over time and a percentage is granted each year, resources will be available to respond to changing needs as they arise. Join us by pooling your gift with those of your neighbors to create a permanent charitable resource — a “community chest” — to enhance the quality of life of the place we call home.

Thank you Forever Family Members

  • Diamond: Marvin and Grace Borzini
  • Silver: Jay and Ann Brown; Robert and Allie Cullen; David and Susan Gill
  • Titanium: Anita and Edwin McKean; John and Annette Romans
  • Copper: Oscar Avalos, in Memory of Victor Avalos; Creekside Farms, Umbarger Family; Davis Properties; Chris and Annie Graveline; Michel and Denise Hardoy; Mike and Mary Orradre
  • Bronze: Sarah Nash and Michael Barbree; Oak Shores Realty; Frank and Betsy Roth 

Ways to Give

You can create a named fund within the SMCF endowment with a new gift of $25,000 or more. Grants can be made in your name, your family’s name, or the name of your loved one or business for generations to come. You can make a five-year pledge or include the SMCF in your will or trust.

Please contact Brian Thayer or call (831) 375-9712 to learn more.

Support South County – Join Us!

Gifts of any amount are appreciated and will make an important difference. Donations can be one-time gifts or pledges over any number of years.

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  • Your gift will go to the endowment to become a permanent resource for Southern Monterey County.
  • All potential grants are reviewed by the SMCF advisory council and will be used only for organizations serving this region.
  • You can donate by credit card by clicking the Give Now button below.
  • If you wish to donate by mail or let us know of your commitment, please download the Pledge Form and send it to us.
  • Gifts in the name of loved ones, planned gifts and legacies established through your estate are additional ways to support the SMCF. 
    Thank you for your support!

People Helping People

Founding Family Donors - the first 10 Years

Thank you SMCF Founding Family Donors

  • Susan and David Gill
  • Mike and Mary Orradre
  • Chevron
  • Marvin and Grace Borzini
  • Jay and Ann Brown
  • Jerry* and Paulette Bumbalough
  • John and Janet Buttgereit
  • Stan and Barbara Clark
  • Robert and Allie Cullen
  • Brent and Marsha Green
  • John and Annette Romans
  • Pier and Norma Azcona
  • Cody and Mandy Bassetti
  • Connie and Peg Bauer
  • Holly and Bill Casey
  • Richard and Sharon Casey
  • Tim and Phoebe Cheney
  • Chris and Kathy Davis
  • James and Colleen Ewart
  • Joe and Linda Grebmeier – In Memory of Ralph & Edith Grebmeier
  • Michel and Denise Hardoy
  • Nathan M.* and Cindy Holaday
  • Vince and Tina Lopez
  • Steve and Kim McIntyre
  • Lynn and Mikel Ann Miller
  • Arvid and Ann Myhre
  • John and Barbara Pekema
  • William and Gail Pierce
  • Tom and Sharise Salcido
  • Tom and Melody Shepherd
  • The Umbarger Family
  • D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California
  • Lynn’s Too
  • Scheid Vineyards
  • Peter Anderson*
  • Kathleen Armstrong
  • Linda Benway
  • John and Leslie Cederquist
  • Margaret Duflock
  • Miguel and Dorothy Errera
  • Renate Funke
  • Dennis and Sharon Hearne – In Memory of Bud Plaskett
  • Tim and Kate Hearne
  • Amanda Holder
  • Deborah Howitt
  • Michael and Jamie Lynn Jones
  • Michael R. LeBarre
  • Ellen Martin
  • Jim and Janet Massey
  • Anita and Ed McKean
  • Ted and Laura Mills
  • Karon Nichols
  • Tina Nieto
  • Joanne Nissen
  • Gerald and Pamela Pelton
  • Joe and Mary Pezzini
  • TJ Plew – In Memory of Thelma Anita Brackman
  • Raul Rodriguez
  • Margaret Spring and Mark Bunter
  • Brian Thayer
  • Bradley Zeve
  • California Street Winery
  • Davis Properties
  • Golden State Sciences
  • Green’s Accounting
  • Los Vaqueros Hunting Club Traveling Band
  • Massey Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Oak Shores Realty

* In Memoriam

SMCF Advisory Council

Oscar Avalos (Chair), King City; Grace Borzini, King City; Ryan Casey, King City; Chris Graveline, King City; Michel Hardoy, Lockwood; Erin King, King City; Anita McKean, King City; Lynnie Oliveira, San Ardo; Betsy Roth, Lockwood; Tom Shepherd, Lockwood; Teri Umbarger, King City; Shannon Valladarez, King City; Carlos Victoria, King City

To learn more about becoming a Founding Family Member, call Brian Thayer at (831) 375-9712.

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