A man holding up giant kelp while a large group of enthusiastic people raise their hands on a pier overlooking the water.

GIVING & IMPACT

Our Approach

Monterey Peninsula Foundation operates a place-based, responsive grantmaking strategy that spans a broad range of ages and community needs. We seek to strengthen the web of services, programs, and support that contribute to healthy vibrant communities. We often fund organizations over the longer-term, while keeping an eye on new opportunities to positively impact the region. Our policies are designed to help organizations capitalize on best practices in the field, but we aim to be flexible.

We view funding as a partnership. We acknowledge that each community served has different strengths and challenges, and we work to tailor our support accordingly. We realize that there are gaps that exist, and we care about filling the need in all the communities we serve.

A transit worker assists a smiling elderly woman stepping off a bus, demonstrating accessible community services.

Other Giving

Monterey Peninsula Foundation supports various charitable endeavors including golf tournaments, nonprofit training and events, and sober grad nights in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are designed to be a quick-response tool, approved by staff, and are generally $5,000 or less. In order to be considered for sponsorship, applicants are to submit a letter requesting support with a brief statement of charitable purpose and providing the tax ID number (requesting organization must have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status) preferably four weeks beforehand. The Foundation will only consider one sponsorship request per organization per year. The Foundation considers sponsorship requests for the following:

First-Time Financial Audit/Reviews

The Foundation provides support to help nonprofit organizations in obtaining a first-time audit or review. For organizations that have never conducted an audit  or review, the Foundation can offer to fund a one-time sponsorship of up to  $3,000 or half the cost, whichever is less. (Example: If an audit costs $4,000,  the Foundation may award a $2,000 sponsorship towards the cost. If an audit costs $10,000, the Foundation may award a $3,000 sponsorship towards the cost.)

A group of young children eagerly reaching into a touch tank or tide pool exhibit at an aquarium or educational center.

Sober Grad Night Events

The Foundation provides support to high schools in our tri-county area (Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties) for their Sober Grad events. The standard sponsorship of an event is $2,000. To apply for a Sober Grad Night sponsorship, please complete the required form at least 6 weeks prior to your event.