CFMC: Small (Opportunity) Grants

The CFMC's Small Opportunity Grants program supports urgent community needs in Monterey County with funding typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. This program aims to assist emerging organizations and innovative projects addressing critical issues, promoting equity, and reducing barriers to service access. By providing timely financial support, these grants enable nonprofits to respond quickly to opportunities and challenges, fostering community development and enhancing the quality of life for local residents.

CFMC’s small Opportunity grants program address a wide spectrum of needs.
Applications are accepted year round for grants to support emerging organizations and ventures, urgent needs and other time-sensitive efforts where a small amount of money will make a difference. Opportunity grants typically range between $1,000 and $5,000. While larger grants (up to $10,000) may be considered, they are the exception.
Scope and Characteristics
New projects or pilot programs to serve an important community need
Urgent or time-sensitive projects that need to be addressed before the next budget cycle
Opportunity grants are part of the Community Foundation Monterey County (CFMC)’s competitive grants program, which allows nonprofits serving Monterey County to receive assistance when an urgent, unexpected situation arises or when a small grant is needed to test an innovative idea or capture a promising opportunity. These grants can be an entry point for emerging organizations and new ventures that have not received CFMC funding in the past. Prospective grant applicants are encouraged to call and speak with a staff person regarding questions and/or proposal ideas.
Funding Interests and Priorities
Opportunity grants address critical issues and community needs that advance the CFMC’s mission and vision for Monterey County. Based on data of local needs, aspirations and assets/CFMC’s fund restrictions, we invite proposals exemplifying the following.
Effective strategies that focus on opportunity / achievement gaps to increase equity and expand access to services and programs, as requested and informed by local residents.Provide access for services to more Monterey County residents by reducing barriers and obstacles.Upstream, preventive approaches that address underlying causes.
Embrace and advance diversity, equity, inclusion through lived experience and informed data.
Opportunity grants will continue to consider time-sensitive needs in addition to ongoing, recurring expenses.

Eligibility

501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, fiscally-sponsored organizations, and occasionally, other unincorporated public benefit organizations serving Monterey County residents.
Fiscal sponsors may submit applications for more than one sponsored group, as well as applications for their own organization.Fiscal Sponsorships: Efforts that are not legally incorporated may partner with a tax-exempt 501(c)3 nonprofit organization which will serve as the fiscal sponsor for the proposed grant. The fiscal sponsor must agree to be accountable to the CFMC for the programmatic and financial outcomes of the grant and have a signed agreement with the sponsored group verifying the terms of the arrangement. Please contact us if your organization does not have its nonprofit status and plans to apply in conjunction with a fiscal sponsor.Organizations may receive a Community Impact or an Opportunity grant in the same calendar year

Ineligibility

Businesses and individuals are not eligible, with the exception of social enterprises associated with a local nonprofit.Exclusions:Activities that are non-secular or promote a religious doctrine
Academic or medical research
Funding to schools and public agencies that would supplant tax-supported, mandated services
Annual fundraising campaigns or one-time events
Capital campaigns or creation of, or addition to, endowment funds
Political or partisan purposes
Expenses incurred prior to the grant award date.CFMC does not support organizations that discriminate in their employment practices, volunteer opportunities, or delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law