CFMC awarding $50,000 in grants to community volunteer-led groups

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Volunteer-led groups in Monterey County communities now have $50,000 in grant money available to them through the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

Community groups that are not recognized as a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax exempt organization can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 through the 2020 Neighborhood Grants Program.

The hope for the program is that it supports grassroots groups working to improve their communities, such as groups organizing youth sports, cultural arts programs, advocacy and neighborhood improvement.

“The goal of the Neighborhood Grants Program is to empower residents to lead change in their neighborhoods,” said Erika Matadamas, Program Officer for the CFMC.

Since the program started in 1997, $1,075,000 has been awarded.

Groups interested in applying are asked to attend an information session Jan. 29 at 5 p.m. in the CFMC's office on Main Street in Salinas. The deadline for applications is Feb. 14 at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact CFMC's Grants and Office Administrator, Karina Gutierrez-Barboza, at 831-754-5880 ext. 135 or grants@cfmco.org.