The City of Martinez announced a new pilot partnership with the Martinez Community Foundation (“MCF”) to manage the Community Groups Funding Program on behalf of the City for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The partnership is aimed at expanding funding access and support for grassroots organizations and local nonprofits. Through this pilot, the City has allocated initial seed funding, increasing the General Fund budget contribution to $13,500 and the Recycle/Sustainability Fund budget contribution to $5,000, which MCF will administer using its longstanding grantmaking expertise.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering community-based solutions,” said Mayor Brianne Zorn. “We know that some of the most effective community groups can make a big impact with limited resources. This program is intended to leverage the capacity of MCF to connect these impactful groups with available funding and resources. Together, we can make an even bigger positive impact on the Martinez community.”
Under the pilot, Martinez-based non-profit organizations can apply for a Community Groups Funding Program grant through MCF to support programs or projects related to community engagement, environment, art and culture, economic opportunity, education and skills development, and other community priorities. The application process will be intentionally streamlined, and grantees will receive not only funding but also capacity-building support from MCF.
The pilot will run through the end of Fiscal Year 2025-2026, with plans to assess its impact and potential for long-term expansion. The deadline to apply for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 awards is August 5, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. The application will be available on MCF’s website beginning July 8, 2025. Community groups interested in applying or learning more can visit MCF’s website at https://www.martinezcommunityfoundation.org/.
For questions, please contact: Eve Kearney, City Manager’s Office, 925-387-9081, ekearney@cityofmartinez.org.
Who’s your uncle
“…to support programs or projects related to community engagement, environment, art and culture, economic opportunity, education and skills development, and other community priorities.” Pretty big rang of items. Does one need to be organized like 501 C, 3/7. What are the reporting reqmts for what I do with the money?