COVID-19 had an unprecedented impact on the lives of Monterey County residents. After launching March 16, 2020, the COVID-19 Relief Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC)Â provided critical funding for food, housing, mental health and program support to nonprofits serving Monterey County residents in need.
The CFMC granted $3,023,762 in the first six months(through September 16, 2020) in 127 grants to 103 nonprofits. Grants helped organizations serving vulnerable individuals and families with basic needs such as food, housing, living expenses, transportation costs and supplies related to the economic and social impacts of COVID-19.Â
“We have seen a dramatic increase in demand. This grant will enable us to significantly increase the volume, quality, and nutritional value of VTC’s pantry. We’re very grateful,” said Jack Murphy, Deputy Executive Director, Veterans Transition Center.
COVID-19 Relief Grants $3,023,762
• $782,005 in 31 grants for COVID-19 related programming shifts to support vulnerable populations such as childcare for essential workers, computers for low-income families and summer learning kits for youth
• $755,875 in 31 grants for direct financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and families throughout Monterey County including Salinas, South County and the Monterey Peninsula
• $739,387 in 31 grants for food and shelter such as emergency food bags, temporary shelter for homeless students and families ($482,400 of this total was for food distribution only)
• $189,400 in 11 grants for emergency program supplies such as emergency medical supplies for clinicians, PPE and essential supplies for families with children 0-5
• $157,845 in 6 grants for shelter only such as low-income housing for seniors and safe parking programs for the homeless
• $399,250 in 17 grants for other program support such as Blood Drives, social-emotional training and emergency medical funding
The grant will help us meet the increased demand and get more than 600 computers in the hands of students who need it for online learning. Thank you for changing the lives of hundreds of Monterey County residents for the better.” – Christian Mendelsohn, Founder and Executive Director, Loaves, Fishes & Computers
To see a list of grants made to date, visit cfmco.org/CovidGrants.Â
Though the support to date has made an important difference, federal benefits have diminished, eviction protections are projected to end soon, and uncertainty continues for people facing unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. The need for resources for local nonprofits serving our community members remains stronger than ever.
“We’re immensely grateful to the donors and funders who stepped up to support our community through this fund,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO. “The commitment to support our community must be sustained and we welcome gifts to the fund in order to make further grants to meet the need.”
Donor Advised Fund Holders Rally to Support COVID-19 Relief
Donor advised fund holders nationwide rallied to support their neighbors in the face of the Covid-19 crisis as part of a massive response. Community Foundations across the U.S. have mobilized more than $1 billion for pandemic relief, according to a study by the Community Foundation Public Awareness Initiative. CFMC donor advisors contributed more than $1.8 million in response to COVID-19, giving $962,851 to the COVID-19 Relief Fund and designating an additional $929,150 in grants to nonprofits in Monterey County.
About the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The mission of the CFMC is “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” Donors partner with the CFMC to create charitable funds in their lifetimes or through their estates towards a vision of “healthy, safe, vibrant communities.” For information, call 831.375.9712 or visit cfmco.org.
