Best Monterey County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Monterey County, California nonprofits, public schools, and school districts serving children, youth, and families can access funding through S H Cowell Foundation for place-based programs in education, youth development, and family services. Grants may support school initiatives, afterschool and summer programs, family resource centers, community organizing, and related community development efforts in high-poverty areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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 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.

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.

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 Harden Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Monterey County across seven focus areas, including youth, family welfare, health, and arts. The Foundation promotes self-reliance, quality of life improvements, and humane treatment of animals. Eligible applicants must have 501(C)3 status and can seek funding for general support, special projects, and one-time capital grants. However, the Foundation does not fund sectarian programs, endowments, or organizations outside its geographical focus.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation Grant supports nonprofits focused on charitable, educational, and cultural initiatives primarily in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and Monterey County, California. New applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, while returning applicants can directly submit proposals. The foundation prioritizes projects with clearly defined outcomes in areas like arts, education, health care, and community services. Grants are typically awarded for one year, promoting impactful community improvements.

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 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.

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 Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

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 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.