Nonprofits are a cornerstone of our community. Whether you’ve attended local arts or music events, received legal support or health care services, adopted a pet, or enrolled your child in a special after school program, chances are high you’ve interfaced with a dozen or more groups. Without local nonprofits working tirelessly to fulfill their missions — everyday — our community would look and feel like a very different place.

Monterey County Weekly has had a direct relationship with the local nonprofit community for more than 25 years, supporting and promoting those who work to improve the quality of life for all. The Monterey County Weekly witnesses, reports, and collaborates with nonprofits to promote their events and programs, so they may communicate and carry out their mission.

In 2000, the Weekly supported the nonprofit community in another way when it established the Monterey County Weekly Community Fund, a donor advised fund of the CFMC. In 2009, Monterey County Gives! was launched, focused on an annual appeal to the Weekly’s generous readers for year-end donations. In that first year, $417,000 was raised and granted. The Weekly has built on that success each year, and with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation joining as a partner in 2015, the campaign has shown the power of philanthropy in Monterey County.

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue received an additional $1,000 award for largest number of donors and Monterey Peninsula Pride received a $1,000 award for most young donors (ages 18-35). The Florence Haspel Zeve Award of $1,000 for leadership and ingenuity in the areas of women, families and/or the arts went to Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County and the $2,500 Ingenuity Award was presented to Everyone’s Harvest.