Southern Monterey County Foundation Grants

The Southern Monterey County Foundation Grants, established in 2014, aim to inspire philanthropy and strengthen communities in Southern Monterey County. Grants support nonprofit organizations addressing community needs, particularly in King City and surrounding areas. Priority is given to projects with measurable impacts and community program expansions. Funding may cover facility costs, matching grants, and personnel expenses. Locally based organizations with demonstrated community support are preferred, ensuring small grants can create significant local change.

Founded in 2014, the Southern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF) is an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Our mission is to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Southern Monterey County.
The SMCF provides grants to organizations that benefit the communities of Southern Monterey County, which in this case is defined as King City and all points south, excluding the coastal region.
The SMCF seeks to support nonprofit organizations that have the leadership and capacity to provide important community resources and services in Southern Monterey County communities. In 2020, priority is given to the following types of requests:

• Specific projects or one-time costs that will result in measurable impact on an identified community need
• To establish or expand community programs that address a high-priority community issue or need
• What Grant Funds May Support
• Pre-development or construction costs for facility construction or renovation
• Matching grants to leverage other funding
• Developmental costs for new programs
• Personnel expenses that relate to specific program goals
• Equipment, materials and/or facilities expenses that directly benefit participants or are an
• identifiable part of project

Eligibility

Grants will only be considered for projects and programs serving Southern Monterey County communities. The SMCF considers Southern Monterey County to include King City and all points south, excluding the coastal region.501(c)3 nonprofit organizationsPublic programs (schools, parks, public health, etc.)Church-sponsored activities with benefit beyond their own membershipOrganizations 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.

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 doctrine
Funding to schools and public agencies that would supplant tax-supported, mandated services
Research projects
Grants to provide college or other educational scholarships to individuals
Grants to provide financial assistance directly to individuals