Competitive Grants Available from Community Foundation

The Community Foundation for San Benito County awards grants to organizations who have projects or programs that will benefit the community, as well as to children with special needs, ultimately supporting our mission of building a stronger community and enhancing the quality of life in San Benito County.

The Sonny Paullus Board Grants Fund (Community Impact), Women’s Fund, and Martin Rajkovich Children’s Fund are all resources for competitive grant money. Grant Cycles are currently open for the Sonny Paullus and Women’s Fund, with a deadline of March 31, 2017.

The Sonny Paullus Board Grants Fund awards matching grants to nonprofits with projects or programs that create a positive impact in the community in the areas of Health & Social Services, Community Enhancement (Development), and Youth & Education. Any nonprofit may submit a Letter of Intent followed by an invitation from the Community Foundation to submit a full application. A partnership with the David & Lucile Packard Foundation for the past seven years has enabled the Foundation to grant over $2,500,000 back to nonprofits who serve San Benito County.

This year the Women’s Fund is awarding grants to nonprofits with projects or programs in the areas of Financial Literacy for Teens, Poverty Prevention, and Domestic Violence Prevention. Any nonprofit may submit an application. The Women’s Fund began their granting program in 2015 and has awarded a total of $84,500, grants powered solely by donations from individuals throughout the community.

The Martin Rajkovich Children’s Fund awards grants year-round to enhance the quality of life for chronically ill children in San Benito County. Martin Rajkovich established this fund in 2007, and nearly $100,000 has been awarded to children who require special equipment and/or therapeutic treatments. Anyone may refer a child, and the Community Foundation will contact the family for additional information.

Guidelines for all of these grants are available for grantseekers on our website. We encourage the community to take a look at these resources to determine if current needs will fit grant requirements. For more information, contact Curt Mead, Director of Operations & Grants, or call our office at 831.630.1924.