In 2017, after years of supporting organizations in both the Bay Area and Central Coast, the Cleo Foundation board of directors decided to focus the foundation’s grantmaking in Monterey County. Grant proposals are solicited on an invite-only basis from foundation staff.
The foundation’s three focus areas include:
Education: organizations and programs that enhance academic progress and create a sense of hope for youth 11-18 years of age, as well as programs that provide a path to vocational training for students
Outdoor Education: camperships, field trips, and environmental education programs that can give young people ages 11-18 a new view of their world
Hospice Care: providing quality, compassionate end-of-life and palliative care for patients of all ages, including emotional support for both patients and their loved ones
Grantmaking Guidelines
- The Foundation supports public charities serving communities in Monterey County.
- Requests should be for specific programs and projects or operating funds, but the Foundation will occasionally consider grants for capital improvements and equipment (but not computers).
- Three years must elapse between grants to any given organization. Most grants range from $1,000 – $20,000 with preference to organizations with a budget under $2 million.
- The Foundation does not support religious entities, medical research, individuals, endowments, or annual appeals.