Celebrating Our 2025 Community Impact Award Honoree: Dan Baldwin

Dan Baldwin has led the Community Foundation for Monterey County as President/CEO since 2010. He is responsible for setting the overall vision of the CFMC, stewarding the foundation’s resources to meet changing needs, and helping donors meet their philanthropic goals, whether through donor advised or scholarship funds, or charitable estate planning.

Under his leadership the foundation has grown from 300 funds and $130 million in charitable assets to more than 900 funds and $476 million in assets at year-end 2025. Annual grants awarded increased from $6.5 million in 2010 to more than $50 million in 2025, including an increase in scholarships from $165,000 to more than $2 million. He leads the foundation in responding to changing needs, including the creation of multiple disaster relief funds.

Dan chaired the League of California Community Foundations’ Public Policy Committee for many years and chaired the League for two years. He is a member of the Council on Foundations Community Foundation Advisory Group and serves on the Community Foundation Awareness Initiative steering committee. Previously Dan was the President/CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in Iowa. He is married to author and artist Anne Ylvisaker. They have three children.

Monterey County Bank Unveils New Brand Identity

Monterey County Bank (MCB), a pillar of the local financial landscape since 1977, announced the launch of its new logo and brand identity today. The refresh comes under the guidance of new leadership and serves as a visual testament to the bank’s mission: Strong Foundations, Personal Connections.

As the banking industry faces a wave of national mergers and consolidations, MCB positions itself as the stable, independent alternative for Monterey County residents and business owners.

"Our new look is much more than just a logo change; it represents the new Monterey County Bank, our commitment to all of Monterey County, and the energy our team has brought to serving our community," said Bill Wilson, President and CEO of Monterey County Bank. "MCB is on a growth trajectory while proudly continuing the personal touch that has defined us for nearly 50 years. We are here to provide the reliability our community deserves."

The Bank will introduce a refreshed digital presence and a new website built for speed and simplicity. These visual changes pave the way for a deeper technological transformation, including a reimagined mobile app designed to make financial management effortless. By implementing new digital channels, MCB is ensuring that local families and businesses enjoy the convenience of global banking standards without losing the personalized care of a community institution.

While these advancements offer a more streamlined experience, the Bank’s dedication to its community remains constant. Customers can expect the same dedicated Relationship Managers and personalized service they have trusted for decades, now backed by a modernized vision for community banking.

By marrying nearly five decades of experience with a forward-thinking strategy, Monterey County Bank is strengthening the foundations that will support our community for decades to come.

Monterey County Gives! Shatters Record with $17.1 Million Raised

Monterey County’s spirit of generosity was on full display this year as Monterey County Gives! wrapped up a record-breaking campaign. The annual fundraising effort once again exceeded expectations, raising $17,166,876 to support hundreds of local nonprofits serving our community.

Powered by the partnership between the Community Foundation for Monterey County and Monterey County Now, the campaign continues to showcase the incredible giving nature of Monterey County residents. This year, 8,048 donors contributed to 213 nonprofits. From human services and education to arts and environmental causes, this year’s results will have a lasting impact across the region.

SPOTLIGHT: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History offers information on everything you could want to know about the natural history of Monterey County, and it's all free for Monterey County residents! The museum caters to people from all walks of life and has something for everyone.

History: The seeds of the museum began with the collections of botany instructor Mary E.B. Norton and Professor Josiah Keep, who founded the Chautauqua Museum in the 1880s. The collection outgrew the small building that housed it and the current museum was constructed in 1932.

Exhibits: Discover the rich history of the Esselen, Ohlone, Salinan, and other native tribes of Monterey Bay. Explore a killer whale skeleton, a humpback whale jawbone, and meet “Sandy,” the life-size gray whale sculpture at the entrance. Kids can crawl through tunnels in the Children's Touch Gallery to learn about underground animals. Permanent exhibits highlight local plants, wildlife, and geology.

Education: An on-site education program is available for group visits at no cost to Monterey County schools. The museum has an education outreach program providing in-class instruction for schools on the Monterey Peninsula. 

Visit the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History website for information on admission, hours, special exhibits and events: www.pgmuseum.org.

MPCC LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Visionary

Cornerstone

Foundational