SANTA CRUZ — Almost 100 local nonprofits will receive a significant financial boost this year thanks to a philanthropic grant program facilitated by Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
According to a release from the foundation, this cycle’s awards total more than $1.9 million and were distributed among 92 local nonprofits. Both totals are a step up from last year where $1.5 million was shared among 77 service organizations.
The grants, issued each spring, are made possible by dozens of philanthropic families that have entrusted the community foundation to carry out their charitable visions or through a gift to the foundation’s Greatest Needs Fund. The release noted the Borina family as a “cornerstone” of the program, particularly when it comes to support for the Pajaro Valley.
“The charitable funds that families have established here serve as our community’s permanent resource for addressing the issues of today and tomorrow,” said Community Foundation Director of Engagement and Impact Kevin Heuer in the release. “Our Community Grants fund community solutions that improve the quality of life here. This year’s record investment is supporting a diverse group of nonprofits we see as trusted performers and creative solvers of local challenges. All told, the $2 million serves as an infusion toward a more resilient and equitable future for Santa Cruz County and those who call it home.”
This year’s awards, which range from $1,500 to $62,305 and have no usage restrictions, sought to address issues including the health and wellbeing of local youth, seniors, families, contributions to arts and culture as well as those working to create a sustainable and resilient county.
One of those organizations, the Teen Kitchen Project which received a $30,000 two-year commitment, works with about 45 youths every week to prepare medically tailored meals that are eventually delivered to more than 300 clients across the county experiencing critical and chronic illnesses, according to the release.
“The flexibility of unrestricted funding is essential for us,” Angela Farley, executive director of the project, said in the release. “General operating support allows us to put the funds where they are most needed most so that we can respond to the needs of the community in real time.”
Other grant beneficiaries include CASA of Santa Cruz County, Hospice of Santa Cruz County, the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Pajaro Valley Arts and Mountains 2 Sea, an outdoor adventure learning program for youth that will now be able to grow its staff.
“Expanding our team is bringing new ideas, new energy, and the opportunity to serve more youth,” said Jamey King, the program’s co-founder. “The flexible general operating support provided by the Community Grant allows us to evolve in the area our organization needs most, and right now it’s growing our team.”
Currently, the foundation is also helping the county distribute nearly $1 million in opioid settlement funds to local behavioral health nonprofits as it works to combat the raging crisis. It also stood up a disaster relief fund for those impacted by the heavy winter storms in early 2023.
“While we continue to offer core support to frontline service providers, we’re also investing in smaller nonprofits that are working to strengthen their strategy, connect deeply with community, and scale their programs to meet increased needs,” community foundation CEO Susan True said of the annual grant program.
In all, the foundation manages more than $226 million in charitable assets, according to the release, which resulted in more than $30 million in grants, scholarships and low-interest loans last year.