Board Empowerment Program
A 10-month program for Monterey County nonprofits to strengthen board leadership and governance through coaching, peer learning, and support for sustainable board development projects.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Community Foundation for Monterey County has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County
Due Dates: January 30, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 unrestricted grant per organization; 12 awards anticipated; one-year program duration
Summary: Supports Monterey County nonprofits to strengthen board leadership through consulting, peer learning, and flexible funding for board development projects.
Key Information: Open only to 501(c)3 public benefit nonprofits based in Monterey County with an established board; not available to fiscally sponsored groups.
Description
The Board Empowerment Program, offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence, is a ten-month initiative designed to help up to 12 local nonprofits make significant improvements in their board structure, policies, and practices. The program provides a blend of unrestricted funding, individualized coaching, and participation in a peer cohort, supporting organizations as they pursue meaningful, sustainable changes in board governance, leadership, and culture. Teams (typically the Executive Director and Board Chair) engage in assessment, goal setting, and receive monthly coaching to address challenges such as governance structures, board recruitment, board-executive dynamics, fundraising, strategic planning, and succession. The program aims to empower boards to become more effective stewards of their organizations’ missions.
