Monterey County, California — Just one month ago on March 16, 2020, The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund, created in partnership with the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, provides grants to nonprofit organizations addressing the immediate and longer-term needs of Monterey County’s most vulnerable residents impacted by the Coronavirus. One hundred percent of the fund will be used for grantmaking.
The COVID-19 Relief Fund has had a tremendous impact. The first grant was made to the Food Bank for Monterey County just two days after the fund was established. More than $1.3 million has been granted through 56 grants for food banks and meal delivery, emergency medical supplies, mental health, child care, homeless services, financial assistance, computers for students and seniors to stay connected, help accessing unemployment benefits and expanded services to meet increased need for programs and support.
To see a full list of grantees or apply, visit www.cfmco.org/CovidGrants. The CFMC’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence also offers a curated list resources and webinars at www.cfmco.org/COVID19NonprofitResources.
“Thanks to the Community Foundation’s swift action, our local nonprofits have received much needed resources to respond immediately to the pandemic. I believe many lives will be saved as a result, said Robin McCrae, Chief Executive Officer, Community Human Services.
The need is great but individual donors, CFMC fund holders, companies and private foundations have responded. The COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised $2,289,303 as of April 17. Those wishing to give can make a secure online tax-deductible donation at www.cfmco.org/CovidRelief, mail a check to the Community Foundation for Monterey County, 2354 Garden Road, Monterey, CA 93940 with “COVID-19 Relief Fund” in the memo, or call 831.375.9712. To contribute stock or make a gift of an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution, please contact Christine Dawson at christine@cfmco.org for details.
Private foundation and company donors include: Aera Energy, L/G Anderson Family Foundation, Peggy and Jack Baskin Foundation, California International Airshow, The California Wellness Foundation, Church in the Forest, Claire Giannini Fund, The James Irvine Foundation, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Monterey County Bar Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Scott and Kim Negri Family Foundation, Neumeier Poma Investment Counsel, PG&E Foundation, Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation, J. Miles and Rosanne Reiter Family
Foundation, Sunlight Giving Foundation and United Way Monterey County.
“We thank Community Foundation for Monterey County for the generous grant from the COVID-19 Relief Fund that allowed us to purchase more masks and other emergency supplies,” said Jill Allen, Executive Director, Dorothy’s Place.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in demand. This grant will enable us to significantly increase the volume, quality, and nutritional value of VTC’s pantry. We’re very grateful,” said Jack Murphy, Deputy Executive Director, Veterans Transition Center.
Government officials and businesses have instituted sweeping measures to halt the spread of the virus. Work and school closures, travel and event cancellation and physical distancing are disrupting lives physically, socially and economically.
“We’re concerned about community health, and the potential for people to face economic hardship and food insecurity in the coming months,” said Dan Baldwin, CFMC President/CEO. “This fund allows us to help one another through this challenge,” he continued.
About the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The mission of the CFMC is “to inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County.” Thanks to generous community members who have created charitable funds in their lifetimes or through their estates, the CFMC has granted more than $205 million to nonprofits working towards healthy, safe, vibrant communities. For more information visit www.cfmco.org, call 831.375.9712 or stay connected at www.facebook.com/cfmco or www.twitter.com/cfmco.
About the Monterey Peninsula Foundation
The mission of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation is “to enhance the quality of life in Monterey County and surrounding areas through the strategic disbursement of charitable funds generated by hosting the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the PURE Insurance Championship.” Monterey Peninsula Foundation leverages the game of golf into positive community change. The mission is two-fold: To host the most remarkable tournaments for players, spectators, sponsors, and volunteers, and to focus the philanthropy made possible by the tournaments to enhance the quality of life across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org
