The Southern Monterey County Foundation is people helping people to improve the quality of life for local residents.
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).
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.
In November 2023 the SMCF granted $31,160 to 13 organizations:
2023 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.
In November 2022 the SMCF granted $23,815 to 14 organizations:
2022 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.
In November 2021 the SMCF granted $25,300 to 14 organizations:
2021 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.
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 Museum, Monterey County Pops!, Partnership for Children, Sol Treasures, Special Kids Connect, and Sun Street Centers.
2020 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.
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 Center, Legal Services for Seniors, Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum, Monterey County Pops!, Partnership for Children, Portola Butler Continuation High School, Rancho Cielo, Salinas Valley Fair, San Antonio Elementary School, Sol Treasures, Sun Street Centers, Youth Music Monterey.
2019 grantmaking was supported in part by Chevron.
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.
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 City, Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries, Girls 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 Children, Sol Treasures, YWCA Monterey County.
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.
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 Padua, Community Food Pantry of King City, CSU Monterey Bay, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast, Legal Services for Seniors, Sol Treasures, Youth Music Monterey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Gift Levels | Gift Amount | 5-Year Annual Commitment |
| Diamond | $250,000 | $50,000 |
| Platinum | $100,000 | $20,000 |
| Gold | $50,000 | $10,000 |
| Silver | $25,000 | $5,000 |
| Titanium | $10,000 | $2,500 |
| Copper | $5,000 | $1,000 |
| Bronze | $1,000 | varies |
* In Memoriam
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.
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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