have doubled in size and now nearly 400 preschool to junior high students benefit from this nonprofit’s Big Idea. Marina Youth Arts’ thriving journaling and art program is now at every school in Marina and the recently added theater program is growing too. Donors will also help reintroduce free youth dance classes after years without an option in Marina. “It’s really fun getting creative, and I always feel positive after the Creative Wellness Through Journaling & Art class.” -Beautiful, 8 MONTEREY COUNTY POPS! Year Founded: 1985 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 25 volunteers Budget: $159,000 (831) 206-2588 montereycountypops.org BIG IDEA: Monterey County Pops! plans to establish 15 school-based partnerships throughout Monterey County, reaching 2,000 students by June 2027. This group’s Big Idea integrates professional musicians with music educators for an enriched music education program. These efforts support existing music education in Salinas, North County and South County, districts where music can be a target of budget cuts and communities with the fewest music education resources. The program culminates in a public Pops! concert. “It is hard to express how impactful the Pops! organization is to the students who participate. Their thoughtful outreach impacts all the families and community members who attend. I know the Pops! are looking to expand their scope of services by offering lessons and such during the rest of the school year. I can also imagine this service would be beneficial to all participating students and extremely integral to supporting great music at Greenfield High School.” -Matt Huot, band director and music teacher at Greenfield High School MONTEREY HISTORY & ART ASSOCIATION Year Founded: 1931 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 4 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $191,718 (831) 649-9161 montereyhistory.org BIG IDEA: Even after 183 years, Casa Serrano is still focused on hospitality. The Monterey History & Art Association cares for this historic building, alongside others in Monterey. This year its Big Idea prioritizes Casa Serrano, including funding new gutters and adding a commercial-grade dishwasher. More than 1,800 visitors pass through Casa Serrano during the two-night Christmas in the Adobes and the former schoolhouse property is regularly rented for weddings, anniversaries and reunions. “Casa Serrano represents a critical era in Monterey County’s development, standing as an anchor to our origins and reflecting early architecture preserved through time. Los Amigos [volunteers] are dedicated to preserving the building to allow the community to step back in time and better understand our historical roots. We also showcase amazing art from famous California artists exhibited throughout the adobe. Casa Serrano serves as an irreplaceable cultural and educational anchor for our community. Without continued maintenance, we risk losing not only this beautiful landmark, but also the connection to our roots.” -Maureen Vieth MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL Year Founded: 1958 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 9 paid, 250 volunteers Budget: $4,336,638 (831) 373-3366 montereyjazz.org BIG IDEA: The three-day Monterey Jazz Festival 40 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “The library serves as a sanctuary from the chaos of the school day.” -Idil Aktan, 14, Monterey Public Library Friends & Foundation HERITAGE SOCIETY OF PACIFIC GROVE Year Founded: 1975 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $24,500 (831) 372-2898 pacificgroveheritage.org BIG IDEA: The Heritage Society of Pacific Grove has been hard at work renovating the historic 1881 Chautauqua Hall, with a Big Idea to restore the building to its glory as a go-to spot for community gatherings, educational programs and special event rentals. These plans include a desperately needed update to the 1930s-era kitchen. You can help purchase the warming ovens, stainless steel shelving, serving carts, food preparation tables and serving tools needed to equip a 21st-century commercial-grade kitchen. “I’ve been involved in many events that used the kitchen at Chautauqua Hall. It is old and not up to code, and it needs updating so we can use it proudly for future weddings, family celebrations, reunions and community gatherings. I totally support this renovation project.” -Moe Ammar SPOTLIGHT
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