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SOUTH COUNTY — The Southern Monterey County Foundation (SMCF), an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, has granted $20,000 to nonprofit organizations providing a variety of community-based services aimed at improving the quality of life for South County residents.
“We’re able to provide these grants to strengthen Southern Monterey County communities thanks to our generous donors,” said Robert Cullen, chair of the SMCF advisory board. “This is a collective effort to make a positive impact in our region.”
This year 15 organizations were supported — the most groups yet since the SMCF’s founding in 2014. Grantees ranged from food insecurity, science education, historic preservation and helping youth aspire for self-improvement. One such grantee, King City Boxing Club, provides physical fitness opportunities and diversion from negative street influences.
“Through boxing, we are teaching new skills and opening new horizons for kids,” said Rodolfo Tapia-Salazar, King City Boxing Club director and coach. “The grant from the SMCF is helping us encourage kids to be healthy, and they get a chance to travel as part of a team — so many kids have never been out of King City.”
The club was awarded $2,000 to provide positive sporting activities for youth.
Grantees that also received $2,000 include: the Campaign for the Preservation of Mission San Antonio de Padua for Phase IV of the retrofit, repair and preservation of the historic mission; the City of King Recreation Department for the open gym collaboration with Salinas Valley Fair to provide athletic programs and recreational opportunities for students at Chalone Peaks Middle School as well as residents; and the Community Food Pantry of King City to combat food insecurity in South County.
Girls Inc. of the Central Coast received $1,800 for its program “Growing Together,” which increases positive communication between young girls and their parents or guardians at elementary and middle schools in King City. Monterey County Dance Foundation was awarded $1,700 for the purchase of lighting to enhance performances at the Stanton Theater. Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum received $1,500 to support the annual Fourth Grade History Jamboree, a two-day program full of art, history and music.
The foundation also granted $1,000 to the following groups: GRID Alternatives Central Coast to support Solar Futures, a hands-on job training program; Legal Services for Seniors for no-cost legal services for South County seniors; Partnership for Children to increase access to medical care for children with life-threatening conditions; Sol Treasures for the summer camps in art, performance and music serving youth ages 7 to 14; and YWCA Monterey County to support King City-based legal assistance and therapy.
Other grantees that each received $500 were: Greenfield Community Science Workshop to support its mobile science workshop in South County; Foundation for Monterey County Free Libraries to provide online job training and tutoring software to patrons of South County; and Monterey County Pops! to support the free 2017 Veterans Day concert at the Stanton Theater.
The Southern Monterey County Foundation was established by area residents to support programs and services for the communities of South County. Formed in 2014 as an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the Southern Monterey County Foundation’s purpose is to raise funds locally to strengthen communities from King City to points south. It is guided by an advisory board of local residents who have a deep understanding of regional community needs.
Grantmaking is made possible by the support of local individuals, families and businesses. To date, $72,600 has been granted. For more information, visit www.cfmco.org/SMCF.
