throughout our region. Through their ongoing education, resources, workshops and encouragement, they help residents stay informed, prepared and motivated to take meaningful action before wildfire threatens our homes and neighborhoods. They empower communities to build safer, more resilient neighborhoods.” -Sherie Dodsworth FRIENDS OF CARMEL VALLEY LIBRARY Year Founded: 1979 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 7 volunteers Budget: $24,000 (831) 647-7760 focvl.org BIG IDEA: Last year during MCGives!, this group raised funds for a mural project. This year, Friends of Carmel Valley Library are building on that campaign’s success by expanding the art installation to include a book collection and interactive materials for its Mural Literacy Project. Donations to this Big Idea will also support upgraded technology for the library’s monthly speaker series and workshops, new items for the library and broader programming that responds to the needs of the community. “The Friends of Carmel Valley Library bring so much generosity and support to our library and community events. They are yet another reason I feel so fortunate to live in Carmel Valley.” -Laura Bayless FUND FOR HOMELESS WOMEN Year Founded: 2012 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 1 volunteer Budget: $10,000 (831) 375-9712 fundforhomelesswomen.org BIG IDEA: The Fund for Homeless Women provides grants and scholarships for unsheltered women, totaling $2.5 million since launching 14 years ago. Donations to this Fund are directed to local nonprofits making a big impact, boosting their shelter, food, health care and education services with sustained, long-term funding. The Fund for Homeless Women also operates a Big Idea scholarship program, helping homeless women carve a hopeful future through certifications, vocational training and college degrees. “Helping women without homes is helping our mothers, sisters, daughters, cousins. Housing is just too expensive now. Let’s provide safe sleeping for the women in our families. It is too painful to see our family members sleeping in the bushes at night. We need increased community donations to provide safe sleeping for our vulnerable women. No one wants to see our family members sleeping outside.” -Kathy Whilden, cofounder, Fund for Homeless Women FUND FOR INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM IN MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 2002 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 14 volunteers Budget: $300,000 (831) 394-5656 journalism.montereycountyweekly.com BIG IDEA: Salinas Valley Now, launched in May 2026 by the Monterey County Weekly, remedies the news desert affecting the Salinas Valley for the last several years. This free, bilingual daily digital newsletter covers topics like the city’s $11.2 billion agriculture industry and its emerging ag tech industry; housing; immigration and other complex issues facing this dynamic region (plus reporting on the arts and culture in the Salinas Valley). Donations to the Fund 68 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com COMMUNITY & SOCIAL SERVICES DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM “It always feels like they’re a friend or relative coming to give you a ride.” -Lucy Moore and Neil Williams, ITN Monterey County MEALS ON WHEELS SALINAS VALLEY Year Founded: 1972 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 110 volunteers Budget: $1,726,000 (831) 758-6326 mowsalinas.org BIG IDEA: Meals on Wheels Salinas Valley intervenes on two critical issues facing seniors: nutrition and loneliness. In addition to this nonprofit’s weekly, home-delivered meals, this Big Idea offers lively monthly Senior Socials, now serving lunch and companionship to more than 600 seniors across Castroville, Greenfield, King City, Salinas and Soledad. Meals on Wheels Salinas Valley partners with other local nonprofits to deliver “more than a meal” by also sharing fresh produce and pet food donations with their clients. “You are the difference makers who are keeping me afloat. I’ve been able to transition from losing my wife, having serious health issues to feeling better and eating nutritious meals on a regular basis. Thank you for all that you do.” -Henry T. SPOTLIGHT
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