MONTEREY COUNTY — Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a record-setting year of philanthropic impact.
The report, “Grow.Grant.Lead.,” reflects a remarkable year of generosity, collaboration and community leadership, with $44.4 million granted through 3,091 grants—the highest in CFMC’s history. These grants bring the CFMC’s cumulative total to more than $382 million granted since 1982.
CFMC grants help feed the hungry, support arts programming, protect the environment, provide access to healthcare, help children learn to read, care for animals, protect families from domestic violence, care for the elderly, help students achieve their dreams of higher education, shelter the unhoused and respond to disaster. This broad and responsive grantmaking reflects CFMC’s deep commitment to strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.
In 2024, $11.8 million was granted from donor advised funds, enabling donors to simplify and focus their giving. Another $11.3 million was granted from the 2023 Monterey County Gives! campaign, a partnership of the CFMC, the Monterey County Weekly and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and $1.5 million was distributed through Impact grants, fueled by the CFMC’s Fund for Monterey County.
“We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners and community members who continue to invest in a healthier, safer, more vibrant Monterey County,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC president/CEO. “The power of local philanthropy is growing, and its impact is undeniable.”
Among the 2024 highlights are:
- $1.8 million in scholarships awarded to 467 students, many of them first-generation college attendees on the road to community leadership;
- Building disaster resilience through the Monterey County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), uniting 70-plus organizations to improve disaster preparedness and resilience;
- $1.9 million in Pajaro Community Grants to 22 nonprofits, guided by input from local residents;
- Record $14.2 million raised through Monterey County Gives!, fueling 206 local nonprofits; and
- Continued success of the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), which fosters economic empowerment by strengthening and supporting 12 Salinas Valley nonprofits.
The report shares powerful stories of giving and impact—from giving in the Salinas Valley and Distinguished Trustee Award recipient Raymond Costa, to spotlighting fundholders Kim and Steve McIntyre, regional funds across Monterey County, empowering nonprofit leadership through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence and strengthening nonprofits beyond grantmaking through the Community Impact Investment program.
With $420 million in total assets and 45 new charitable funds established by individuals, families and businesses, the CFMC continues to serve as a trusted philanthropic partner.
“Our work is about more than numbers—it’s about lives changed,” said Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, 2025 CFMC Board chair. “Together, we are growing lasting impact in every corner of Monterey County.”
To view the full 2024 Annual Report or explore how to partner with CFMC, visit cfmco.org/GrowGrantLead.
Donors can partner with the CFMC to enhance their philanthropy by creating charitable funds, establishing life income gifts and including the Community Foundation as part of their estate. Nonprofits can find grant information at cfmco.org/grants and explore professional development opportunities through the CFMC’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence at cfmco.org/cne. Monterey County students can apply for more than 70 scholarships with just one application at cfmco.org/ScholarshipApply.
The CFMC’s mission is “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” For more information visit cfmco.org or call 831-375-9712.
