Best Monterey County Grants for Nonprofits in California

The William Simes Research Fund, managed by UC Berkeley, supports graduate and postdoctoral research at the Hastings Natural History Reservation. Established in 2017, the fund honors Frances Simes Hastings and her husband, who donated the land in 1937. The fund provides multiple annual awards of $2000 to offset costs related to extended field research, including housing and supplies, fostering scientific inquiry in diverse habitats of California.

Joel and Dena Gambord Nursing Scholarship

The goal of this scholarship is to attract and support high caliber nursing students who choose to complete their advanced nursing studies in the RN to BSN program at CSU Monterey Bay.

In so doing, this merit-based program will provide CSU Monterey Bay and the College of Health Sciences and Human Services with the opportunity to ensure the development of high-quality nursing expertise in the region.

The Scholarship fund provides financial support to eligible students for tuition assistance in the nursing program.

Scholarship finalists are selected on the basis of academic performance, financial need, demonstrated leadership and participation in community service in the healthcare field, work experience, passing an open book civics test, and a statement of career and educational goals and objectives.

Priority consideration will be given to working RN’s who want to receive their BSN.

The PBC Grants, funded by the Pebble Beach Company Foundation, aim to enhance educational opportunities for Monterey County youth. Supporting various non-profits, these grants focus on early childhood readiness, literacy, arts, and youth development. By providing scholarships and financial aid, the Foundation ensures that students from pre-kindergarten to post-graduate levels have access to resources that enrich their educational journey, fostering a brighter future for the community.

The Division of Boating and Waterways offers the Sewage Management Education and Outreach Grant Program to educate Californians about proper boat sewage disposal. Established under the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program funds pumpout stations and promotes public awareness in targeted regions including the San Francisco Bay Delta and Southern California Coastal Counties. Grants will support education, outreach, and monitoring efforts to ensure safe and environmentally friendly boating practices.

Nonprofits, schools, school districts, and public agencies in Monterey County, California can receive US $500 - US $5,000 for transportation costs to MPRPD parks and preserves. Community Foundation for Monterey County’s fund supports recreational, environmental, and cultural education field trips on MPRPD properties for organizations with an MPRPD permit or MOU, including youth-serving and faith-based groups.

The Lithia 4Kids Program, initiated by Lithia Motors, aims to enhance youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Since 1946, Lithia has prioritized community enrichment, focusing on supporting 501(c)3 certified nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. With over 200 locations nationwide, Lithia empowers its employees to engage meaningfully in local initiatives, fostering confident youth ready to face future challenges. Volunteering is a core value, creating a collaborative environment for positive impact.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Simunovich Family Agricultural Scholarship supports graduating seniors from Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley high schools, as well as Cabrillo and Hartnell Community College students. With awards of $1,000 or more, the scholarship aims to assist students who are pursuing a four-year degree in Agriculture. The scholarship is renewable annually based on continued study in the field, promoting educational growth and community development.

The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) in California, established in 1981, addresses the decline of wild salmon and steelhead trout populations and the deterioration of fish habitats. Through competitive grants, FRGP has invested millions into various coastal projects, fostering collaboration among federal and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. This initiative aims to restore vital ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries for future generations.

Teacher teams in Monterey County, California public, charter, or qualifying private schools can seek up to US $30,000 for multi-year professional learning projects that strengthen teaching practice and leadership. Grants from Intrepid Philanthropy Foundation support activities like expert training, learning communities, and tool development that enhance teacher effectiveness and benefit school or district-wide practice.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County offers the Environmental Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in good standing at local colleges. This scholarship aims to support innovative individuals pursuing careers that promote a harmonious relationship with natural ecosystems. By investing in the next generation, the foundation fosters environmental stewardship and empowers students to contribute positively to their communities and the planet.

The Board Empowerment Grant Program, piloted by the Community Foundation for Monterey County in partnership with The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, aims to enhance nonprofit board leadership in Monterey County. This program offers a $5,000 unrestricted grant along with nine months of focused consulting and coaching. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations committed to systemic change, with a requirement for board participation. The initiative seeks to empower boards to drive impactful changes in their organizations.

With a mission to protect abused and neglected children, this grant provides Monterey County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $10,000 - US $50,000 for child welfare, foster care, homelessness, and related services. Eligible organizations must serve children impacted by abuse or neglect, operate where In-N-Out Burger does business, and generally be invited long-term partners.

Monterey County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public agencies can access funding for children and youth or health and human services programs through the Community Foundation for Monterey County, with awards of US $40,000 - US $50,000. Grants may support programs, operating costs, organizational development, or capital projects that directly benefit county residents.

Nonprofit organizations in Monterey County, California can seek CFMC Small Grants to launch or expand community programs with awards of US $10,000 - US $20,000. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Community Foundation for Monterey County offers a streamlined application for smaller organizations or first-time Impact applicants serving specific populations or geographic areas.

Monterey County, California nonprofits and public entities running food access and nutrition education programs can access funding through Bayer Fund to address malnutrition and hunger. Eligible, established 501(c)(3)s, schools, and government units in this legacy-Monsanto community may be invited to apply for comprehensive, behavior-change initiatives and food security efforts serving underserved families and young children.

The Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

The Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, established in 2008, focuses on achieving gender and racial equity through grants primarily for nonprofit organizations in Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. They emphasize intersectional feminism and support initiatives that empower women and gender-expansive individuals of color. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and prefers organizations with diverse decision-makers and equitable personnel policies. Funding areas include reproductive rights, legal advocacy, and gender economic justice.

The Radiance Gives Fund Grant, established in 2022 by Radiance Technologies, supports 501(c)(3) organizations in local communities. This employee-run charitable initiative ensures that 100% of contributions go directly to grant awards, enhancing community impact. With no administrative fees deducted, Radiance empowers its employees to make meaningful contributions to the causes they care about, fostering a culture of giving and community support.

Gabilan Hope Scholarship

School District (SUHSD). This program was established in 2015 by a grant from a private donor in San Francisco. His intention was to provide exceptional migrant students from often hard-pressed backgrounds with the opportunity to complete their undergraduate education by reducing the financial burdens they may face.

Addition to Gabilan Hope Scholarship (GABI) CFFMC online application for 2022:

NOTICE TO STUDENTS WISHING TO ATTEND HARTNELL COLLEGE

The overall goal of the Gabilan Hope Scholarship is to support qualified students to complete their undergraduate degrees at the university level. However, due to the significant barriers caused by the COVID pandemic, a number of Gabilan Hope Scholarship (GHS) applicants are choosing to attend Hartnell College, our region’s well-respected community college.

Students attending Hartnell may qualify for $500 annual GHS renewal scholarships if, in addition to meeting the minimum requirements, they join academic cohort programs designed to support their transition to four-year schools, or accelerate their advancement to graduation.

These academic lockstep student support programs at Hartnell include

• TRiO,
• CSin3 for computer science majors,
• TAG (talented and gifted) programs,
• Similar programs offered for special interests such as medicine and psychology, as appropriate for each GHS recipient’s particular academic focus.

Award

• 4 awards of $1,500

Nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized charities in Monterey County, California can seek US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support firearms safety, shooting sports, hunting safety, and marksmanship programs. The NRA Foundation supports educational, charitable, and research initiatives that promote safe firearms use and shooting sports, including youth and public education efforts.

The Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation Grants aim to empower young people by providing substantial annual funding to Crivitz Youth, Inc. and supporting organizations focused on education, health, and enrichment for children and youth in Monterey County. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and public agencies serving local youth, with an emphasis on completing previous grants before reapplying. The foundation does not fund K-12 schools, one-time events, or individuals.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation Grants support local nonprofits and K-12 schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. With a responsive grantmaking strategy, the foundation prioritizes applications that address pressing community needs across various focus areas, including arts, education, and health. This initiative has awarded over $200 million in lifetime funding, aiming to strengthen community services and promote sustainable development. Organizations applying must demonstrate effective management, collaboration, and a clear plan for achieving measurable outcomes.

The PLTW Gateway grant from Chevron aims to enhance educational opportunities in San Ramon, California, by expanding Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in local schools. With over $17 million invested since 2009, Chevron's support has transformed the educational landscape for nearly 250,000 students and 8,100 teachers across multiple states. This funding will facilitate the introduction of new units and training for teachers, ensuring sustainable growth and improved learning outcomes for K-12 students.

The Monterey Peninsula Foundation K-12 Grant supports local nonprofits and schools in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties, focusing on arts, education, health, and community services. With a responsive grantmaking strategy, the foundation aims to address unmet community needs and foster resilience through various types of support, including operating, program, and capital funding. Organizations must demonstrate management capacity and a clear evaluation plan, ensuring long-term impact and community collaboration.