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

January 30, 2026

$5,000 unrestricted grant per organization; 10 months of consulting and coaching

Supports Monterey County nonprofits in strengthening board leadership through consulting, coaching, and cohort learning for improved organizational impact.

--- ## Description The Board Empowerment Program is designed to help up to 12 nonprofit organizations in Monterey County achieve significant improvements in their board structure, policies, or practices. The program blends a $5,000 unrestricted grant with ten months of focused coaching from a consultant, ongoing assessment and goal setting, and participation in a cohort of peer organizations. Teams—typically including the Board Chair and Executive Director—work together to set and accomplish ambitious organizational goals, benefiting from a supportive and collaborative environment. --- ## Due Dates - January 30, 2026: Completed application deadline (full applications due no later than Friday, January 30, 2026) --- ## Funding Amount - Each selected organization receives a $5,000 unrestricted grant. - Additional support includes ten months of consulting, coaching, and participation in cohort convenings. - Up to 12 organizations are selected per cycle. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission of importance to Monterey County communities (including historically under-invested areas). - Must have a Board of Directors in place for at least two years. - Fiscally sponsored groups are **not eligible**. - Board Chair and Executive Director (or equivalents) must participate as a team, dedicating approximately five hours per month to the program. - The board representative in the program should have at least two years of experience with the board. - The Board of Directors must be open and committed to systemic changes, with time dedicated to the program. --- ## Application Process - Review the [full program guidelines](https://cfmco.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Board-Empowerment-Program-2026-Guidelines.pdf). - Prepare and submit a completed application by January 30, 2026. - Participation includes an initial assessment, goal setting, and ongoing engagement with a consultant and cohort over ten months. --- ## Additional Information - The program is operated by the Center for Nonprofit Excellence at CFMC, with support from The David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Phyllis Geer Krystal Fund for Animal Welfare. - Recent grantees include a diverse range of Monterey County nonprofits, each receiving $5,000 and capacity-building support. --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://cfmco.org/grant-opportunities/boardempowerment) - [Full Guidelines PDF](https://cfmco.org/app/uploads/2025/12/Board-Empowerment-Program-2026-Guidelines.pdf) - [CFMC Grant Opportunities](https://cfmco.org/grant-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | Phone | 831.375.9712 | | Contact Form | [CFMC Contact Page](https://cfmco.org/contact-us/) |

Board Empowerment Program - Community Foundation for Monterey County

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