Best Monterey County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Individuals, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, community partnerships, and Tribal Nations in Monterey County, California and other eligible regions can apply for Humboldt Area Foundation’s Native Cultures Fund, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for California Indian culture projects. Funding supports intergenerational knowledge transmission through Native arts, language, sacred sites, and traditional cultural practices.

Grants from Community Foundation for Monterey County help Monterey County, California nonprofits strengthen internal management, leadership, and overall organizational capacity, with awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, fiscally sponsored, and other public benefit organizations serving county residents can fund strategic projects like CRM upgrades, leadership transitions, or strategic planning, excluding routine operations and individual applicants.

The Will Glickman Award, presented by Theatre Bay Area, honors the best new play premiering in the San Francisco Bay Area each year. Established in 1984, this award celebrates excellence in playwriting, recognizing outstanding original works that enrich the local theatre community. It not only highlights the playwright's achievements but also encourages the development and production of new plays. Submissions are accepted year-round, emphasizing the commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive artistic voices.

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant program fosters the development of artistic and capacity-building projects, focusing on those not tied to fully-produced performances. With an emphasis on equity and inclusion, it aids in script development, workshops, and organizational improvement, ensuring a vibrant arts community where diverse voices can thrive.

Monterey County, California youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Sally Hughes Church Foundation for programs and building projects that benefit Salinas Valley youth. Eligible initiatives include youth development, family services, parenting education, arts activities, and efforts that improve well-being, prevent violence and abuse, and strengthen families; grants are awarded annually after board review.

The CA$H Theatre Grant, provided by Theatre Bay Area, supports fully-produced performances of artistic projects that are publicly accessible. This grant aims to empower individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area, promoting a diverse cultural landscape. Since its inception in 1999, CA$H has facilitated a range of projects, from traditional productions to innovative hybrid experiences, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in the arts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in Monterey County, California can apply for Teichert Foundation’s US $3,000 - US $7,500 grants to support specific community projects. Funding may benefit civic improvement, social services, youth or elderly programs, education and workforce development, health, arts, or environmental sustainability efforts serving local residents.

The CA$H Theatre Grant - CA$H Sustains, offered by Theatre Bay Area, provides crucial financial support to individual artists and small theatre companies in the San Francisco Bay Area. This grant aims to cover general operating costs and is open once a year during the fall granting cycle. Founded in 1999, the program emphasizes equity and inclusion, supporting innovative projects and performances that enhance the cultural landscape and accessibility of the arts in the community.

The Arts Leadership Residency, offered by Theatre Bay Area, provides a transformative opportunity for aspiring artistic and managing directors to gain hands-on experience in Bay Area theatres. Over a 12-16 week period, residents will work closely with established leaders, engage in significant projects, and enhance their skills in a supportive environment. This initiative emphasizes mentorship, professional growth, and fostering diversity within the arts community, ensuring that underrepresented voices have access to vital resources and opportunities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Fund for Homeless Women Grant aims to support programs and services for homeless women on the Monterey Peninsula, with a focus on emergency assistance and innovative housing solutions. Grants of up to $50,000 will address critical needs such as shelter, transportation, and personal care, while also promoting inter-agency collaborations. The initiative seeks to reduce the number of women in danger each night by enhancing access to safety and supportive services. Funding is available to 501(c)3 nonprofits and public agencies.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated up to $59,484,345 for the GFO-24-603 program aimed at enhancing the reliability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This initiative will focus on repairing, replacing, and installing at least 1,302 non-operational charging ports statewide, ensuring they comply with the Federal Highway Administration's guidelines. The program is critical for facilitating broader EV adoption and improving access to charging stations throughout California.

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.

Sunlight Giving Grants aim to foster vibrant, diverse communities by ensuring all families have access to essential resources such as stable shelter, food security, and quality healthcare. By prioritizing organizations that support BIPOC, immigrants, and those living in poverty, Sunlight Giving focuses on creating joyful and safe environments for families with children aged 0-5. Their proactive funding approach identifies impactful nonprofits within the greater Silicon Valley area, dedicated to enhancing community well-being and opportunity.

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.

The William McCaskey Chapman and Adaline Dinsmore Chapman Foundation Grant aims to support educational initiatives that motivate K-12 students in Monterey County, California, to prepare for and succeed in college. Grants are awarded based on financial need and academic merit, with a focus on enhancing student achievement through various programs. This foundation has a legacy of philanthropy, having distributed millions to local educational projects since its inception in 1983.

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.

Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas Jess Tabasa Trust Scholarship Fund

 Award amount: $1,500 for Undergraduate students/ $2,500 for Graduate students per year.

• # of awards: Varies

Open to: Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito County currently enrolled high school seniors or undergraduate or graduate students

• Renewable for up to 4 years: undergraduate studies
• Renewable for up to 2 years: graduate studies

 To claim the award funds, the winning student must:

Enroll in an accredited school of higher education including:

• 4-year, bachelor’s degree
• Graduate school
• As a full-time student
• by Fall semester after receiving the award
• Send the Claim Form provided by CFMC along with official proof of his or her enrollment to the Community Foundation.

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 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.

Nonprofit organizations providing early childhood education and school-readiness programs in Monterey County, California can apply for funding to enhance learning for children from birth to age five. Grants from PNC Foundation help expand efforts in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, math, science, and the arts as part of its Grow Up Great initiative.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Monterey County, California can apply for Bethlehem Foundation’s funding to support programs that enhance seniors’ health, independence, and social interaction. Grants serve senior adults in Northern California through education, health, and human services initiatives, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed at spring and fall grant meetings.

The Nicholson Family Foundation Grant supports organizations that empower underserved youth in arts, education, and social services across Northern California. Established in 1996, the foundation provides small grants that create meaningful impacts, reinforcing community ties. Eligible organizations may reapply every three years, ensuring ongoing support for impactful initiatives. The foundation prioritizes operational support and encourages collaborations with new organizations, fostering a sustainable philanthropic environment.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

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 Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust Grant aims to foster health equity and wellness in the Pajaro Valley. With grants of $15,000 available, the Trust encourages organizations to collaborate and align with strategic focus areas such as building health equity and increasing wellness. The grant prioritizes impactful initiatives and supports nonprofits, school-based health programs, and those with a fiscal sponsor. This initiative reflects the Trust's commitment to enhancing quality of life for all residents.