COLD CASE PROJECT OF MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2025 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 7 volunteers Budget: $150,000 (831) 241-0381 coldcasesmonterey.org BIG IDEA: Advanced forensic technology can solve cold cases, but not without a healthy budget. Cold Case Project of Monterey County supports local law enforcement by raising money for expensive modern investigative technologies and connecting police with cutting-edge private forensic labs. In the past year, this Big Idea has funded DNA analysis and other testing for 16 local unsolved murders, one sexual assault and four unidentified human remains. One such test on one piece of evidence led to an arrest. “Working and solving cold cases requires dedication, specialized skills and financial support. Most of these cases are solved by utilizing new technology and good old police work. However, the new technological advances in forensic sciences have a cost that most departments cannot afford. The Cold Case Project of Monterey County is helping fill the void by providing investigators with the financial means to continue the investigation and solving of these cold cases that otherwise would not be solved. This work is so important in bringing closure and answers to families and the community.” -Investigator III, Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, Cold Case Task Force COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF BIG SUR (CABS) Year Founded: 1965 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $550,000 (831) 595-0072 cabigsur.org BIG IDEA: The Community Association of Big Sur (CABS) acts as a bridge between Big Sur and outside governments, nonprofits and other partners. This Big Idea balances the interests of Big Sur residents and the increasing pressure from natural and manmade forces, from landslides and wildfires to limited affordable housing and heavy tourism. CABS helps enforce the Big Sur Coast Land Use Plan and collects valuable visitor data via the Highway 1 traffic counter, all with the goal of helping this community thrive for the long term. “Wherever Big Sur residents are, CABS is there too: providing funds, food, education and direction while respecting the innate strength, privacy, and values of the people who represent and steward this precious environment and culture. Countless times, I have benefited from emergency relief funds, educational events and community-building efforts all created by or promoted by CABS. I am truly grateful we have an organization devoted to the best interests and concerns of our community, with the ability to facilitate positive outcomes.” -Ruby Way COMMUNITY FUND FOR CARMEL VALLEY Year Founded: 2020 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 13 volunteers Budget: $27,000 (831) 375-9712 cfmco.org BIG IDEA: Since 2020, the Community Fund for Carmel Valley, managed by the Community Foundation for Monterey County, has provided a way for neighbors to care for neighbors. A local advisory council oversees the funds raised and distributes them to hyper-local Big Ideas, from water safety lessons to meals for the homebound and access to fresh produce. The overarching mission of the Community Fund for Carmel Valley is to “improve 62 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM THE DIVERSITY CENTER Year Founded: 1989 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 100 volunteers Budget: $1,500,000 (831) 425-5422 diversitycenter.org BIG IDEA: The Diversity Center builds affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. These spaces may include one of the 13 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in a local school or one of this nonprofit’s Big Idea community celebrations like Queer Youth Prom or CampOUT, a threeday overnight summer camp. The Diversity Center is growing to meet the needs of nearly 1,000 LGBTQ+ kids in Monterey County, opening a Monterey office, hiring two regional program specialists and growing the Youth Empowerment Council. “CampOUT was such an amazing and supportive place! It made me feel proud to be part of the queer community.” -Anonymous participant, 14 SPOTLIGHT “Homelessness can make you feel dehumanized. Shuman HeartHouse helped me feel human again, and I feel blessed.” -Deborah E., Community Human Services
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