Community Foundation for San Benito County

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6.7 million (includes all funds; competitive grants ~$288,000/year)
• Success Rate: ~58% of organizations receive funding
• Decision Time: 5 weeks from application close
• Grant Range: Up to $10,000 per organization
• Geographic Focus: San Benito County, California exclusively

Contact Details

• Website: givesanbenito.org
• Phone: (831) 630-1924
• Email: marketing@givesanbenito.org
• Grant Portal: givesanbenito.org/grant-seekers
• Address: 440 San Benito Street, Hollister, CA 95023

Overview

Founded in 1992, the Community Foundation for San Benito County has distributed over $35 million to local nonprofits, holding current assets of approximately $30 million. The foundation operates as both a competitive grantmaker and a vehicle for donor-directed philanthropy, distributing $6.7 million annually across all programs. Its flagship competitive grant programs include the Community Impact Grants (annual pool ~$288,000) and the Women's Fund (up to $10,000 per award).

Under new CEO Cassandra Kartashov (appointed November 2025), who brings 15 years of foundation experience from Hewlett Foundation and others, the organization is developing a new community-led strategic plan. The foundation operates the Epicenter, a 9,324 sq ft nonprofit hub in downtown Hollister housing 17 organizations, demonstrating its commitment to sector collaboration. The foundation maintains a 100% Charity Navigator score and four-star rating.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Impact Grants: ~$288,000 annual pool, competitive matching grants (May application, July decision)
• Women's Fund: Up to $10,000 per award for programs serving women and girls (September application, November decision)
• Martin Rajkovich Children's Fund: Support for chronically ill children (donor-directed, not competitive)
• Hope Harvest Cancer Grant: Household assistance for cancer patients (donor-directed)
• Horse Interest Fund: Programs benefiting horse care and promotion (donor-directed)
• Latino Generations Endowment: Addressing pressing Latino community needs

Priority Areas

• Education and youth development
• Healthcare and human services
• Arts, culture, and heritage
• Environmental conservation
• Social services addressing poverty and housing
• Women and girls' empowerment
• Latino community support
• Nonprofit organizational sustainability

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside San Benito County
• Services duplicating existing programs
• Individual applicants
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Programs without clear evaluation plans

Governance and Leadership

Cassandra Kartashov, CEO (Since November 2025): Previously at William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, brings expertise in inclusive grantmaking and equity-centered philanthropy. States: "Community foundations are at their best when they empower local voices, serve as trusted conveners and help shape a more fair, just and inclusive future."

Tracy Taggart, Director of Finance and Grants: Primary contact for grant administration

Chang So, Board Chair: Business owner who champions the foundation's strategic vision

Board of Directors: 19 members representing business, education, legal, and community sectors

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online portal at givesanbenito.org/grant-seekers. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving San Benito County.

Decision Timeline

Community Impact Grants:

• Opens: Early May
• Closes: Early June (~4 week window)
• Decisions: Mid-July (~5 weeks after close)

Women's Fund:

• Opens: Late September
• Closes: Late October (~4 week window)
• Decisions: Mid-November (~4 weeks after close)

Success Rates

In 2024: 46 of 50+ applicants received grants (~58% success rate). Requested amount ($493,000) exceeded awarded amount ($288,000) by ~40%.

Reapplication Policy

No published restrictions on reapplication. Many organizations appear as repeat recipients, suggesting unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent cycles.

Application Success Factors

• Hyper-local focus: Every aspect must demonstrably benefit San Benito County residents
• Dollar-to-dollar matching model: Show how foundation investment will be matched through other funding sources
• Avoid duplication: Demonstrate collaboration with existing organizations; don't replicate services
• Clear evaluation metrics: Present specific, measurable outcomes and evaluation plans
• Community voice: Center perspectives of populations served, particularly BIPOC, Latino, women/girls, and youth
• Financial sustainability: Balance demonstrated need with evidence of sound organizational management
• Foundation engagement: Attend Epicenter events and build relationships before applying

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Two main windows: Plan for May-July (Community Impact) and September-November (Women's Fund) cycles
• Short application periods: Only ~4 weeks to apply once portal opens; set calendar reminders
• Leverage is key: Matching grant structure requires showing additional funding sources
• New strategic direction: CEO Kartashov's arrival presents opportunity to engage in strategic planning process
• Epicenter as hub: Attend events at their downtown Hollister facility to build visibility
• Collaboration strengthens applications: Joint programming with other San Benito nonprofits demonstrates alignment
• High accountability standards: Foundation's four-star Charity Navigator rating signals expectation of strong governance from grantees

References

1. Community Foundation for San Benito County official website: givesanbenito.org - Accessed February 2026
2. 2024 Grant Recipients announcement: givesanbenito.org/blog/2024-grant-recipients - Accessed February 2026
3. BenitoLink, "Community Foundation for San Benito County announces new Chief Executive Officer" - Accessed February 2026
4. Women's Fund 2025 Grant Cycle information via BenitoLink - October 2025
5. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, IRS 990 filing data - Accessed February 2026
6. Charity Navigator rating profile - Accessed February 2026
7. Instrumentl 990 Report analysis - Accessed February 2026