Monterey County, California — The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) announced the planned retirement of long-time President/CEO Dan Baldwin, who will step down in 2026 after a successful 16-year tenure. He will continue to lead the Foundation until a successor is selected.
“It has been an honor to be part of the CFMC’s family. Monterey County is blessed with a strong spirit of philanthropy. Being able to connect generosity to community need – to know we’re truly helping people – has been tremendously rewarding. The staff, board of directors and our donors have helped make this possible,” shared Dan Baldwin, President/CEO.
Dan has provided exceptional leadership for the foundation. Our growth and impact reflect this. His retirement is much deserved, but he will be sorely missed."
- Created the mission, vision and strategic plan
- Grew total assets from $130 million to $450 million, tripling the number of charitable funds held at the Foundation from 300 to more than 900
- Increased grants from $6 million in 2010 to $44 million in 2024
- Growth of Monterey County Gives! from $565,000 to $14.2 million
- Increase of annual scholarship awards from $175,000 to $2 million
- Opened eight disaster relief funds
- Led the COVID-19 collaborative and coordinated the VIDA Community Health Worker Initiative
- Launched the Community Impact Investment program making significant capital campaign loans for nonprofits
- Facilitated large and complex gifts, including the two largest gifts of real estate in CFMC history, each exceeding $20 million
- Expanded CFMC’s countywide presence, including North County, South County, Carmel Valley and Big Sur regional funds.
- Helped create the Siembra Latinos Fund and Fund for Homeless Women
- Led strategic initiatives including the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI)
Other accomplishments include purchasing the Monterey office building and expanding and renovating the Salinas office, increasing nonprofit stewardship funds from one to more than 75, restructuring and creating major grant programs, strengthening and diversifying the board of directors and creating the Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) program.
A unifying theme throughout Baldwin’s tenure has been his ability to bring people, nonprofits and resources together around important community issues. His leadership has inspired donors, empowered staff and expanded the CFMC’s role as a catalyst for healthy, safe, vibrant communities.
Beyond CFMC, Baldwin has held numerous local and national leadership roles including Chair of League of California Community Foundations (LCCF), founding Chair of LCCF Public Policy Committee, founding member of League DEI Committee, Steering Committee for Community Foundation Awareness Initiative, Council on Foundations Community Foundation Advisory Committee, member of Monterey County Leadership Council and Bright Futures Core Convener.
Prior to his time at the CFMC Baldwin served as President/CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in Iowa. He spent the earlier part of his career in museum leadership, including executive roles at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Old City Park Museum in Dallas, Texas, and the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.
A national search for the next President/CEO will commence this Fall.
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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.” Thanks to generous individuals, families and businesses who have partnered with the Foundation to create charitable funds, the CFMC has granted more than $400 million to nonprofits working towards healthy, safe, vibrant communities since 1984. For more information, call 831.375.9712 or visit cfmco.org.