Neighborhood Grants Program
Neighborhood Grants Program supports volunteer-led groups in Monterey County with neighborhood projects that bring residents together to address unmet needs and improve local quality of life.
Funder: Community Foundation for Monterey County
Due Dates: Rolling (until funds are awarded) | Apply at least three months before funds are needed
Funding Amounts: $3,000–$5,000 for 12 months; $35,000 available in 2026 for approximately seven grants
Summary: Supports volunteer-led neighborhood projects that address unmet needs and improve quality of life in Monterey County.
Key Information: Groups must include at least five unrelated volunteers and open a bank account in the group’s name.
Description
The Community Foundation for Monterey County’s Neighborhood Grants Program provides financial and technical support to resident- and community-led groups. It funds projects or a series of activities that bring residents together to identify local issues and implement solutions in their own neighborhoods. Grants generally support informal groups without 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
The program emphasizes unmet community needs, leadership development, collective decision-making, wider community involvement, and positive local change. Supported work includes community cleanups, neighborhood advocacy, free arts activities, resident associations, sports teams, and support groups. Priority goes to groups serving people with the greatest needs and fewest opportunities, and to activities occurring over several months rather than one-day events.
