Annual program expands the Foundation’s investment in health, wellness, and community service throughout Monterey County, bringing its total community reinvestment to over $7.2 million since 1986.
CARMEL, Calif. – The Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) announces the recipients of its inaugural BSMF Community Grants Program, awarding $219,573 to 17 nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Monterey County. The new grant program, which will be offered annually, represents the Foundation’s continued commitment to enriching and empowering the community through charitable giving while inspiring healthy lifestyles.
Applications for the first grant cycle were accepted from March 1 through May 1, with organizations invited to submit projects that align with the Foundation’s goals of improving health, wellness, outdoor recreation, youth development, environmental stewardship, and overall quality of life throughout the region.
Grant recipients represent a broad cross-section of organizations serving Monterey County residents, with funded projects including youth sports and outdoor recreation, mentoring programs, adaptive fitness for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease, environmental education, family respite services, school wellness initiatives, trail stewardship, human trafficking prevention education, and programs that connect children and families with healthy, active lifestyles.
Among the funded initiatives are projects that will expand access to parks and outdoor spaces for Salinas families, strengthen youth mentoring opportunities, support adaptive exercise programs for older adults, enhance school athletic programs, create new trail and outdoor recreation opportunities, provide environmental education experiences, and help young people discover the lifelong benefits of movement and time spent in nature.
A list of the 2026 BSMF Community Grant recipients is available on our website.
“One of the most rewarding parts of our work is finding new ways to invest in the communities that have supported the Big Sur Marathon Foundation for nearly four decades,” said Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. “We’re thrilled to introduce our BSMF Community Grants Program, creating new opportunities to support organizations that are improving the health, wellness, and quality of life of people throughout our region. By investing in local nonprofits that share our commitment to building stronger, healthier communities, we’re extending the impact of our mission far beyond race weekend and helping ensure our giving continues to make a meaningful difference year round.”
The Community Grants Program is one of several ways the Foundation reinvests proceeds from its two signature events – the Big Sur International Marathon and Monterey Bay Half Marathon – in the community. Following the successful 39th Big Sur International Marathon in April, the Foundation also distributed $324,000 to the local volunteer groups whose members helped produce the event. More than 2,000 volunteers contributed their time and talents during race weekend, making the event possible while earning valuable fundraising dollars for schools, service organizations, youth programs, and other community groups.
With the addition of this year’s Community Grants awards and volunteer group distributions, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation has reinvested more than $600,000 into the Monterey County community in 2026 – bringing its total community giving to more than $7.2 million since its founding in 1986.
The mission of the Big Sur Marathon Foundation is to enrich and empower our community through charitable giving and to inspire a passion for healthy lifestyles by creating memorable running experiences. Through its races, youth and community fitness initiatives, and charitable giving programs, the Foundation continues to make a significant contribution toward building a healthier community.
To make a donation to support the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, visit:
https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/donate
About The Big Sur Marathon Foundation: The Big Sur Marathon Foundation (BSMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and community enrichment through world-class endurance events. With a mission to empower communities through charitable giving and healthy lifestyles, the Big Sur Marathon Foundation has reinvested over $7.2 million to local schools, nonprofits, public safety, and environmental organizations. Its vision extends beyond race day with youth and community fitness programs, environmental stewardship, and community outreach year-round. Whether you run, donate, or volunteer, you become part of a movement that strengthens the community, celebrates resilience, and invests in the future of the Central Coast. For more information, visit https://www.bigsurmarathon.org/about/
