Your generous support enables us to make grants to nonprofit groups and organizations that provide essential services and enhance the long-term wellbeing and quality of life for all in coastal West Marin. Our grants address specific issues facing our communities while strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of local nonprofits.
Community Grants
We make community grants of $2,000-$7,500 to local nonprofits serving West Marin, with a particular focus on:
- Advancing Educational Opportunities for All
- Encouraging Land, Water, and Wildlife Stewardship
- Promoting Community Equity & Inclusion
- Strengthening Community Arts & Culture
- Supporting Community Vitality & Wellbeing
During 2013-2021, we awarded $1,181,004 in Community Grants to 74 nonprofit groups and organizations serving West Marin.
COVID-19 Community Response
We award grants of $2,000-$15,000 to nonprofits that are addressing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis in West Marin by:
- Providing essential services to communities, households and individuals who live and work in West Marin;
- Creating equitable, long-term, cross-issue solutions in West Marin;
- Collaborating with other non-profits and agencies to support those facing the greatest hardship—particularly residents and workers with limited or no access to Federal and State funds, low-income families with children, and isolated seniors.
Early Childhood Equity
We award grants of $7,500-$20,000 to nonprofits that are advancing early childhood equity in West Marin by:
- Strengthening the financial viability, accessibility and quality of preschools in the public school system;
- Building infant and toddler services across West Marin with a particular focus on serving children whose families face social and economic instability;
- Increasing parent knowledge and involvement in the care and education of very young children;
- Bringing together diverse partners with a commitment to achieving early childhood equity
Giving Through Youth
The Giving Through Youth program encourages community service and philanthropy among young people by engaging them in decision-making on the distribution of grant dollars. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of students and teachers in three schools in West Marin, as well as the generosity of community members, $38,875 has been awarded to 32 nonprofit organizations. Grants range from $500-$1,500.
Giving Through Youth activities take place during March-May each year. If your class is interested in participating, please contact admin@westmarinfund.org to learn more.
Women & Girls’ Empowerment
We make grants in the $8,000-$10,000 range to local nonprofits to strengthen women and girls’ leadership in West Marin, as well as address the inequities and discrimination they face.
Recent grants include $151,500 to 11 organizations for Women & Girls’ Empowerment.