person, these connections and the classes I took really helped me open up. I have truly been able to grow and emerge from my reserved shell. Even though I am fairly new to life as a college student, I feel more comfortable to speak up and jump on any learning opportunities that come my way.” -Rachael Galinato, class of 2024 YOUTH ARTS COLLECTIVE (YAC) Year Founded: 2000 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 30 volunteers Budget: $455,115 (831) 375-9922 yacstudios.org BIG IDEA: Like any career, aspiring artists need access to studio space, mentors and a greater creative community to inspire and enrich their education outside of formal instruction. For 25 years, Youth Arts Collective (YAC) has served this role for young artists across Monterey County. To better support the whole artist, YAC’s Big Idea represents a potential five-year vision to grow the organization and deepen its impact through trauma-informed mentorship and by providing inclusive, identity-affirming spaces. “I want to be here all the time. YAC is the nice warm house I walk into from the rain and craziness I feel outside. I will be listened to and heard here. YAC opens up safe doors for young artists when they might not have one in their life or surrounding community.” -Margaux Tybos Casales, 18 YOUTH ORCHESTRA SALINAS (YOSAL) Year Founded: 2010 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $1,000,000 (831) 756-5335 yosal.org BIG IDEA: Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) recruits students from all corners of Salinas who are interested in progressing through a disciplined arts program. In addition to gaining proficiency on an instrument, YOSAL views its Big Idea as a vehicle for teaching several valuable life skills, from independence to leadership and goal setting. Year-round, students devote three days each week to this tightknit, tuition-free program, with their hard work culminating in concerts and recitals throughout the community. “YOSAL is like family to me. The people here are so kind! It is way better than school.” -Sophia Q., 18 110 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com EDUCATION & YOUTH DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM WESTERN FLYER FOUNDATION Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 120 volunteers Budget: $2,000,000 (831) 220-8047 westernflyer.org BIG IDEA: Transforming the Western Flyer from a famous but derelict fishing boat into a world-class education platform is the definition of a Big Idea. But the work has only begun. You can help this organization grow, including relocating its headquarters to Monterey, hosting regular dockside and onboard programs and deepening partnerships with local schools and community groups. Western Flyer Foundation has a dream to elevate this humble vessel to a regional platform for education, inspiration and connection. “Since joining the Western Flyer’s mentorship program, my perspective on the boat has completely changed. I didn’t know much about its history at first, but now I’m really interested in both its past and future. I’m especially drawn to the technical side of what keeps the boat running, and I’m excited to keep learning and having new experiences.” -Teagan Dickison, 16 SPOTLIGHT “I have truly been able to grow and emerge from my reserved shell.” -Rachael Gallinato, York School
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