Grants by Region- Big Sur Fund in Memory of Weston Call Grants

Priorities include health, safety, education, arts, culture, and community stewardship. Grants are awarded annually, targeting impactful projects such as educational programs, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the Big Sur area, with a commitment to addressing local needs effectively.

Founded in 2020, the Weston Call Fund for Big Sur is a special purpose fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County.
Each year, the Weston Call Fund Advisory Board determines where its available grant dollars can be placed for greatest impact on their communities’ highest priority needs. The Advisory Board, made up of community volunteers, will carefully review applications and award grants based on the published criteria.
The Weston Call Fund seeks to support nonprofit organizations that have the leadership and capacity to provide important community resources and services in Big Sur.
Its priorities are Health, Safety, Education, Arts, Culture and Community Stewardship, and to:
Create additional funding for health, fire and safety needs through Big Sur nonprofitsSupport educational, cultural and historical programsAid sustainable tourism and destination stewardship effortsCreate and enhance community partnershipsSupport nonprofits providing services in Big Sur
Funding will be considered for the following types of requests:
Program Support: for the expansion or refinement of existing programs, as well as new programs that show the promise of impact and sustainabilityOperating Support: unrestricted grants to organizations that have a proven track record of community support in Big SurCapital Support: for cost associated with buildings and/or facilities located in Big SurOrganizational Development: to strengthen or enhance the internal capacity and infrastructure of organizations that have a proven track record of community benefit in Big Sur

Eligibility

Grants will only be considered for projects and programs serving Big Sur, defined in this case as Mal Paso Creek south to the County line.501(c)3 nonprofit organizationsPublic programs, such as school activities and programs not included in normal curricula, parks, public health, etc.Church-sponsored activities with benefits to the entire community (e.g. a food pantry)Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated—for these, CFMC requires an agreement with a “Fiscal Sponsor” defined as a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization accountable for financial management of the grant.Organization may only submit one application. However, if an organization is serving as a fiscal sponsor for a collaborative or unincorporated group, they can also apply for a grant to benefit their organization.WHAT GRANT FUNDS MAY SUPPORT:Pre-development or construction costs for facility construction or renovationMatching grants to leverage other fundingDevelopmental costs for new programsEquipment, materials and/or facilities expenses that directly benefit participants or are an identifiable part of a project

Ineligibility

WHAT GRANT FUNDS WILL NOT SUPPORT:Projects that discriminate or with political or partisan purposes Religious activities or services that are non-secular and/or promote a religious doctrineFunding to schools and public agencies that would supplant tax-supported, mandated servicesIndividual sports teamsAnnual fundraising campaigns or eventsCreation of, or addition to, endowment fundsPayment of debt or legal settlementsExpenses incurred prior to the grant award dateAttendance at conferences for staff or volunteersResearch projects