Expanding the Circle Donations to local nonprofits, no matter how small, are a vote of confidence that helps advance their mission. By Bradley Zeve If you’re reading this, you probably have a good sense of what you love about our community, and what you wish could be done to make it better. You already know that community is only as strong as the people who show up for it, and you’re one of those people. Thank you. Monterey County Gives! exists to make showing up easy. We created this campaign to simplify giving, and to use this forum to spotlight organizations you might want to know about. These local nonprofits do the work that holds this county together. These diverse organizations feed families, shelter animals, mentor children, protect our coastline, and fill our stages and galleries with art. That’s a ton of hard work for each organization. Collectively, it’s a big deal for all of us. Here’s my invitation. Keep supporting the organizations you already appreciate. But this year, go further. Find one or two you’ve never given to before. Give them something, anything. It doesn’t have to be much. For a small organization, the first gift from a new donor is a vote of confidence, and it can be the start of a lasting relationship. Then stay curious. Join their mailing list. Follow their work through the year. Learn who they serve, what they’re up against and what they’re changing about how they operate and deliver on their missions. You may discover that the answer to a problem you care about has some smart, dedicated people working hard to address it, and these folks live just down the road. (Beyond donating, you may learn about other ways to contribute. There may be opportunities to volunteer and connect with other people who care about the same cause.) Our county has more than 1,000 nonprofits, and 208 of them are part of this year’s Monterey County Gives! Many are known to only a small circle of supporters. Together, we can widen that diameter. And look what a community can do when giving is simple and thousands join in. This year, Monterey County Gives! will surpass $100 million raised and given to local nonprofits since we began the program. That is a giant accomplishment, and it belongs to every one of you and your neighbors who ever gave $25, $2,500 or $25,000. Thank you for giving, and for helping make this community better. Bradley Zeve is the Founder & CEO of Monterey County Weekly, Monterey County Now and Salinas Valley Now. A STEP AHEAD These local nonprofits do the work that holds this county together. Your support is needed to enhance, strengthen and expand restorative justice work in Monterey County. Restorative Justice Partners, Inc. works with those affected by conflict, providing support and education to encourage accountability, empathy, and reparation. Restorative justice seeks to: repair the harm caused by crime, build relationships and restore the community. Follow us on Instagram @restorativejusticepartners_ WANT TO HELP REFORM JUSTICE? Please donate today! 8 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==