At the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through data-driven insights, real community voices and strategic investment, we are committed to removing barriers and creating pathways to success for all Monterey County residents.
The Foundation has identified strategic funding opportunities to support local nonprofits addressing these specific needs.
We invite you to join the CFMC and other funders in investing in these critical areas by:
1) Supporting grants in one or more focus areas
2) Contributing to the Thrive Fund to designate grants to all four focus areas
The data shows there are great disadvantages and disparities for many of our neighbors around basic human needs such as housing, education, economic stability and mental health. Funding these specific areas will create opportunity and measurable impact.Â
It comes as no surprise that housing affordability and sustainability are key obstacles to a thriving Monterey County. Since 2014, median home prices increased by 95%, while median income for a family of four in Monterey County has increased 50%.
(2023-2031 Housing Element, County of Monterey)
“During my time seeking to rent an apartment, I paid close to $1,500 in application fees… not knowing I had no chance of qualifying because of my low credit score.” – local resident
Only 21.4% of 7th grade students meet or exceed math competencies and only 38.9% meet or exceed English/Language Arts competencies.
(DataShare Monterey County: Math, English)
“The primary focus should be on grades 4th to 6th because intervening in middle school is already too late.” – school district administrator
Only 57.6% of Monterey County households have the income level needed to afford the basic costs of living. (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) threshold)
(DataShare Monterey County)
“I graduated from college. I applied for various jobs but didn’t get hired because my resume does not show any background experience.” – young adult
More than half (51.2%) of Monterey County adults have had two or more years in their lives when they felt depressed or sad on most days.
(Community Health Needs Assessment)
“Everything is expensive: rent, bills, food and gas. I’m working from sunrise to sunset and from job to job to survive. It’s frustrating, and it hurts because I want to be home more often to see and play with my kids. Sometimes the only time I see them is when I take them to childcare at 6:00 am.” – farm worker
Donate to the Thrive Fund or recommend a grant. (CFMC Donor Advisors can recommend one or more focus areas)
Please contact us at (831) 375-9712 for more information.
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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