The Big Sur Fund is designed to provide residents, businesses, and visitors an opportunity to pool their giving and bring positive change to communities in Big Sur.
Donor Name: Community Foundation for Monterey County
State: California
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/01/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Focus Areas
The Big Sur Fund seeks to support nonprofit organizations that have the leadership and capacity to provide essential community resources and services in Big Sur (defined as Mal Paso Creek south to the County line). The fund supports work in:
- Health, Fire & Safety: Create additional funding for essential health and safety needs through Big Sur nonprofits.
- Education, Arts & Culture: Support educational, cultural and historical programs that enrich the community.
- Community Stewardship & Sustainable Tourism: Aid destination stewardship efforts and encourage responsible tourism practices.
- Partnerships & Services: Create and enhance community partnerships and support nonprofits delivering direct services in Big Sur.
Types of Support
Funding will be considered for the following types of requests:
- Program Support: For the expansion or refinement of existing programs, or new programs with demonstrated potential for impact and sustainability
- Operating Support: Unrestricted grants to organizations with a proven track record of community benefit in Big Sur
- Capital Support: For costs associated with buildings and/or facilities located in Big Sur.
Funding Information
- A total of $30,000 will be available for grantmaking in 2025.
- Grants are expected to range from $1,000 – $5,000.
Grant Period
Grant recipients will be expected to use all funds and provide a written evaluation of the project within 12 months from the grant date.
Uses of Fund
- Pre-development or construction costs for facility construction or renovation
- Matching grants to leverage other funding
- Developmental costs for new programs
- Equipment, materials and/or facilities expenses that directly benefit participants or are an identifiable part of a project.
Eligibility Criteria
Grant requests will only be considered for projects and programs serving Big Sur communities, defined in this case as Mal Paso Creek south to the County line. BSF grants are open to:
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations
- Public programs, such as school activities and programs not included in normal curricula, parks, public health, etc.
- Organizations and collaboratives that are not legally incorporated—for these, CFMC requires an agreement with a “Fiscal Sponsor” defined as a tax exempt 501(c)3 organization accountable for financial management of the grant
- Organizations may only submit one application. However, if an organization is serving as a fiscal sponsor for a collaborative or unincorporated group, they can also apply for a grant to benefit their organization.
For more information, visit CFMC.
