ALLIANCE ON AGING Year Founded: 1970 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 26 paid, 223 volunteers Budget: $2,728,543 (831) 655-7564 allianceonaging.org BIG IDEA: The rapid pace of change can be disorienting to anyone. But swift advances in technology and cultural norms can be especially challenging for elders. Alliance on Aging serves as the county’s trusted resource for a wide spectrum of no-cost support services for seniors, from providing social events to providing caregiver support or helping someone navigate the high cost of prescriptions. Alliance on Aging’s Big Idea is to continue providing essential services for the more than 90,000 Monterey County residents over 60. “Over the years, Alliance On Aging’s programs have changed my life in a positive way. Little by little, I’ve learned how to better take care of my health and have gained strength and confidence in my abilities. I have learned to appreciate that the small steps in life count. I would like to give gratitude to all the people that are a part of Alliance On Aging for their support and patience. Their programs like senior peer counseling, Medicare counseling, tax counseling and activities at the HUB have given me the tools and confidence to keep moving forward.” -Ricarda Rodriguez ASIAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE OF SALINAS Year Founded: 2008 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 6 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $50,000 (831) 809-8310 salinasace.org BIG IDEA: The first $20,000 raised toward the Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas’ Big Idea will be matched by the Tanimura Family Foundation. This Big Idea partners with the City of Salinas to transform the historic Republic Cafe into the new Chinatown Museum & Cultural Center. The initial $40,000 needed will support the planning and design of interior spaces like galleries, meeting rooms and archival storage. The Chinatown Museum & Cultural Center’s goal is to represent the diverse communities of Salinas’ Chinatown, including Filipino, Chinese and Japanese immigrants and their descendants, through the decades. “As a Filipina who grew up in Salinas, where my family home remains, I joined Asian Cultural Experience of Salinas because of its mission and dedication to assist in reviving Chinatown. They hold monthly educational events and a popular annual festival. I appreciate ACES’ dedication to resurrecting the historic Republic Café, once a gathering place for residents and visitors in the neighborhood. Their work will establish a historical and cultural museum holding artifacts, archival prints and photos about our Asian American contributions and participation in multiple sectors of the Salinas Valley, including agriculture, health care, business and art.” -Elbina Batala Rafizadeh BIG SUR FIRE Year Founded: 1974 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 25 paid, 21 volunteers Budget: $1,900,000 (831) 667-2113 bigsurfire.org BIG IDEA: Big Sur Fire is always looking ahead, whether that’s planning for its financial future or preparing its active volunteer roster with specialized education for wilderness emergencies. You can support these simultaneous goals by donating to its Big Idea. This nonprofit seeks help with strategic planning and organizational development while also recruiting new firefighters and enhancing fire prevention programs. Big Sur Fire responded to 280 emergency calls last year, covering more than 300 square miles of ridges, trails and other unpredictable terrain. “My husband and I have lived in Big Sur for 10 years and like all residents of Big Sur, we consider Big Sur Fire to be one of the most important organizations in Big Sur. We couldn’t imagine a life here without their presence. They know the community on a personal level socially and the neighborhoods and terrain intimately. We had to call them to our home and I will never forget the incredible kindness and professionalism they provided. They are truly our local heroes.” -Catherine Fanoe 52 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM AL & FRIENDS SUNDAY BREAKFAST Year Founded: 2010 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 60 volunteers Budget: $175,000 (831) 224-2188 alandfriends.org BIG IDEA: The beauty of Al & Friends Sunday Breakfast is its consistency. Every single Sunday for the last 15 years, guests enjoy a nutritious, dignified and fulfilling breakfast with others at Window by the Bay in Monterey. However, behind the scenes, Al & Friends has been scrambling for a permanent home. Last year’s donations to this nonprofit’s Big Idea helped the group raise half the funds needed for a mobile kitchen or other permanent place to cook the meals dozens rely on each week. Donations this year can help them reach that goal. “My week is so fulfilled by my Sunday morning visit to Al & Friends for a great meal and stimulating conversations. I’m treated with respect and decency there. I know I’m lucky to be a guest at Al & Friends.” -Anonymous SPOTLIGHT “They are truly our local heroes.” -Catherine Fanoe, Big Sur Fire
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