[Community Foundation for Monterey County](https://cfmco.org)

January 24, 2025 | January 30, 2026

$5,000 unrestricted grant per organization; up to 12 organizations selected; 10-month program duration

Supports Monterey County nonprofits to strengthen board leadership through grants, coaching, and peer learning cohorts.

For 501(c)3 nonprofits with a board in place for at least two years; not open to fiscally sponsored groups.

--- ## Description The Board Empowerment Program, offered by the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC), is designed to help up to 12 local nonprofit organizations make significant and lasting improvements to their board structure, policies, and practices. The program provides a $5,000 unrestricted grant, a structured assessment and goal-setting process, ten months of focused coaching with a consultant, and participation in a cohort of peer organizations for shared learning and support. The initiative aims to foster empowered, effective board leadership that can drive organizational impact and sustainability. --- ## Due Dates - January 24, 2025: Board Empowerment Program grant proposals due (full application deadline) — 2025 guidelines - January 30, 2026: Completed applications due (Board Empowerment Program full application deadline) — 2026 guidelines --- ## Funding Amount - Each selected organization receives a $5,000 unrestricted grant. - Up to 12 organizations are selected annually (funding split between general nonprofits and animal welfare organizations). - The program includes ten months of coaching, assessment, and cohort convenings. --- ## Eligibility - Open to 501(c)3 public benefit organizations with a mission of importance to Monterey County communities. - Organizations must have had a Board of Directors in place for at least two years. - The Board Chair and Executive Director (or Governance Chair) must participate as a team and be able to dedicate approximately five hours per month to the program. - Board representatives participating should have at least two years of experience on the board. - Fiscally sponsored organizations, businesses, and individuals are not eligible. - Organizations must be current on reporting obligations for past CFMC grants and may not receive concurrent Board Empowerment and Organizational Development grants. - Schools, faith-based organizations (for secular programs), and public agencies are rarely funded due to limited resources. --- ## Application Process - Review the [full program guidelines (PDF)](https://cfmco.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Board-Empowerment-Program-2026-Guidelines.pdf). - Prepare all application documents, including a project budget and organizational financial information. - Submit your application through the [CFMC Online Grants Manager](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco). - Participation requires a team commitment (Board Chair/President and Executive Director) and agency-wide support for the proposed board development goals. - Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Center for Nonprofit Excellence staff to discuss program fit. --- ## Additional Information - The program supports board development in areas such as governance structures, recruitment, board culture, executive-board dynamics, fundraising, strategic planning, and succession planning. - Coaching and assessment are included, with additional resources and templates provided to participants. - Funded by The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Phyllis Geer Krystal Fund for Animal Welfare. --- ## External Links - [Board Empowerment Program Overview](https://cfmco.org/grant-opportunities/boardempowerment) - [2026 Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://cfmco.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Board-Empowerment-Program-2026-Guidelines.pdf) - [2025 Program Guidelines (PDF)](https://cfmco.org/app/uploads/2024/12/2025-Board-Empowerment-Guidelines-FINAL.pdf) - [Apply for a Grant](https://cfmco.org/grant-opportunities/apply-for-a-grant/) - [CFMC Online Grants Manager](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfmco) - [Center for Nonprofit Excellence](https://cfmco.org/center-for-nonprofit-excellence/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Contact Method | |----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Susie Polnaszek, Director, Center for Nonprofit Excellence | 831.375.9712 | | Reid Norris, Program Manager, Center for Nonprofit Excellence | 831.375.9712 | | General Inquiries | [CFMC Contact Form](https://cfmco.org/contact-us/) | ---

Board Empowerment Program

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