ing performing specialized on-water rescues) and cares for up to 15 marine mammal patients at a time at its new Castroville facility. Cases range from sick otters to whales entangled in ocean trash—between 300 to 600 marine mammals each year. Donations directly assist with these animals’ rehabilitation and, more broadly, support ocean-centered tourism. “Every week I get to help rescue and care for sick and injured marine mammals. The animals get a second chance at life in the wild and we get to learn from them how to take better care of our oceans. We couldn’t do any of it without your [our community’s] help. Thank you so much.” - Robert Levit MONTEREY AUDUBON SOCIETY Year Founded: 1940 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $189,605 (760) 420-9299 montereyaudubon.org BIG IDEA: For the last 10 years, the Monterey Audubon Society has documented the presence and diversity of seabirds during its signature program, Point Pinos Seawatch. This effort is significant as seabird health helps illustrate the health of the greater marine ecosystem. Paid scientists gather information during peak seasonal migrations while outreach volunteers share the wonder of birds with the public. Global seabird populations have plummeted by 70 percent since the 1950s, but Monterey Audubon Society’s Big Idea serves as the only systematic seawatch effort on the West Coast. “It’s been an absolute joy and privilege to volunteer my time with Point Pinos Seawatch. It is incredibly inspiring to spend time with elite, extremely knowledgeable birders who spend countless hours identifying, recording and sharing information about migratory seabirds that pass by our area each year. As a volunteer, my job is to interpret this critically important work to the general public so that we can raise awareness of the need to gain a better understanding of bird populations and to work in collaborative partnerships to restore, protect and conserve their habitats.” -Laurie Adams MONTEREY BAY FISHERIES TRUST Year Founded: 2014 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 22 volunteers Budget: $624,059 (831) 233-3101 montereybayfisheriestrust.org BIG IDEA: Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust (MBFT) casts a wide net to execute its Big Idea. This organization brings together community access to healthy, local seafood and the fishing culture of Monterey Bay. By partnering with diverse members of the supply chain like fishermen, food nonprofits, chefs, scientists and government officials, MBFT achieves its goals of not only putting local fish on local plates but also building a more sustainable fishing economy for all in Monterey County. “As an Italian kid growing up on the shores of Monterey, I’ve always known how deeply rooted fishing is in our community. This way of life is too important to lose. Thanks to the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust and their work to raise awareness about sustainable local seafood—among both consumers and policymakers—and through strong partnerships with fishermen, we’re helping to ensure a thriving seafood economy and a healthy ocean for future generations.” -U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY FOUNDATION Year Founded: 2017 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 8 volunteers Budget: $600,000 (831) 359-7071 montereybayfoundation.org BIG IDEA: The federally designated Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects the ocean just off our shore, but the sanctuary also needs ongoing support to help make sure the public gets to enjoy it. This foundation organizes wildlife protection and community appreciation programs to maintain the Sanctuary and share it with locals and visitors alike. Donations support Big Idea efforts like field trips 118 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM POINT LOBOS FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1978 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 685 volunteers Budget: $965,861 (866) 338-7227 pointlobos.org BIG IDEA: Point Lobos Foundation cares for some of the most popular natural attractions in Monterey County, including Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel River State Beach and Ishxenta State Park. These coastal sanctuaries welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making this group’s Big Idea—maintaining safety and sustainability—an important project. Donations support trail maintenance and habitat restoration, like restoring breathtaking trails, and inspire imagination and stewardship via docent-led talks and interactive field trips for underserved schools. “Every time I walk the trails of Point Lobos, I’m reminded why this place matters—not just for its breathtaking beauty, but for what it gives to all of us. It’s where children feel the ocean for the first time, where docents spark curiosity and wonder, and where native species still have a chance to thrive.” -Betty Maurutto, board member SPOTLIGHT “The beauty is priceless.” -Ted Balestreri, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
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