to the public. “The Carmel Public Library has been a constant in my life—a place where I’ve come to find books, of course, but also to feel grounded, inspired and connected. Whether I’m attending a talk, researching local history or simply sitting in the reading room, I always leave feeling enriched. The library’s commitment to free access and thoughtful programming reminds me how vital public spaces like this are to a healthy, curious and compassionate community.” -Lacy Williams Buck CHAMBER MUSIC MONTEREY BAY Year Founded: 1966 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 10 volunteers Budget: $335,557 (831) 625-2212 chambermusicmontereybay.org BIG IDEA: The team at Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) has heard the claims—that young people simply are not listening to chamber music. But they know that isn’t true, and they are invested in creating pathways to spark music appreciation in the next generation. Through its Kids Upfront and Free initiative, third- through 12th-graders get free seats in the first three rows at all five concerts of the season. CMMB’s Big Idea brings visiting ensembles into the region’s schools and connects these professionals one-on-one with aspiring local youth musicians in school orchestras. “Thank you for providing such great opportunities for our young students. Both of my children have been beneficiaries of CMMB’s generous policy allowing kids to attend concerts for free. Having attended performances since they were in kindergarten, they have developed a lifelong love of music. My younger son even hopes to one day become a chamber musician.” -Mari Rondeli COOPER-MOLERA ADOBE Year Founded: 1968 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $315,000 (831) 259-4513 coopermolera.org BIG IDEA: History is very much alive in downtown Monterey. In the heart of the neighborhood is the Cooper-Molera Adobe, a property that serves as an important historical landmark and a cultural anchor, too. More than 100,000 visitors, both local and global, take a break in the adobe’s finely maintained native gardens or join weekly wellness programs such as yoga or tai chi. Donations will support this continued expansion of the sense of belonging at the museum, including offering public programs like artisan markets and garden art walks. “Such a wonderful place to be able to visit and learn about local history!” -Shannon Jones EMILE NORMAN ARTS FOUNDATION INC Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 40 volunteers Budget: $127,567 (831) 915-6621 emilenormanartsfoundation.org BIG IDEA: American artist Emile Norman handcrafted his mid-century home perched on a ridge in Big Sur. This idyllic setting is now the home of the Emile Norman Arts Foundation and its three-pronged Big Idea. Donations support this organization’s plans to host public events and exhibitions, preserve and share Norman’s artistic legacy and offer artist residences to inspire new, place-inspired creations. Last year this foundation welcomed three artists-in-residence and archived 2,500 pieces from Norman’s collection. “As a Carmel native and artist who built a career 32 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM CENTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC ART Year Founded: 1988 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 48 volunteers Budget: $480,000 (831) 625-5181 photography.org BIG IDEA: The Center for Photographic Art’s inaugural PhotoCarmel was originally intended to be a three-day affair, but community response soon stretched the event from late March to early May 2025. To help this nonprofit better prepare for this five-week festival in 2026, donors can invest in this Big Idea. In addition to broader programming, the Center for Photographic Art (CPA) will direct funds to strengthen the event’s financial and administrative foundation and offer more support to participating artists. “I’ve been a CPA member for 11 years. During that time, the impact CPA has had on me personally and on my artistic path has been remarkable. The shows in the gallery, the artist talks, the workshops and the portfolio reviews have been a continual source of inspiration and have greatly expanded my artistic horizons. I’m sure I’m just one of the many hundreds, if not thousands, of photographers who have benefited similarly. CPA has attained a well-deserved national reputation—even an international reputation—as an important contributor to the development and celebration of the photographic arts and artists. There’s nothing like it between San Francisco and LA.” -Matt Connors SPOTLIGHT “I came for the music and art, but I stayed because this space makes strangers into friends.” -Dana Carnazzo, Henry Miller Library
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