Eligibility Requirements:

  1. The organization must be non-profit, with 501 (c) (3) status.
  2. Serve the community at large.
  3. Have a non-religious primary purpose.
  4. Demonstrate a financial need.
  5. Have administrative expenses that do not exceed 25% of total operating budget.
  6. Have a performance-based grant request.
  7. Preference will be given to Laguna Beach organizations focused on:
    1. Education and literacy programs
    2. Children and youth
    3. Health and medicine
    4. Hunger prevention
    5. Environmental preservation and conservation
    6. Senior citizen care

Typical non-profit organizations ineligible for donations:

  1. Athletic events, competition or tournaments
  2. Conference/seminars
  3. Individuals
  4. Libraries
  5. Museums
  6. Religious or political organizations
  7. Research programs
  8. Scholarships or stipends
  9. Start-up programs
  10. Grant making organizations (other foundations)
  11. Schools, colleges or universities (outside of the Laguna Beach Public School District)
  12. International or foreign-based programs

Application Requirements:

  1. Requests must be typed and include the following components:
    1. Cover Sheet - a case statement and proposal summary;
    2. Needs Assessment - a concise demonstration of the specific situation, opportunity, problem, issue, need, and the community your proposal addresses;
    3. Program Goals and Objectives - a succinct description of the proposed project/program's outcome and accomplishments in measurable terms, and how it matches the funder's interests;
    4. Methodology - a rational, direct, chronological description of the proposed project and the process used to achieve the outcome and accomplishments;
    5. Evaluation - the plan for meeting performance and producing the program/project;
    6. Budget/Funding Requirements - a realistic budget with a detailed explanation of the funding request, committed matching funds, evidence of sound fiscal management, and long term funding plan;
    7. Qualifications - your organization's background, its funding history, board involvement and staff qualifications, and its capacity to carry out your proposal;
    8. Conclusion - a brief, concise summary of your proposal;
    9. Appendices - additional attachments, such as proof of tax-exempt status, organizational and financial documents, staff/board lists, support/commitment letters
    10. Documentation of Federal IRS 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status
  2. Grantees participating in public relations efforts to promote their receipt of the award must collaborate with the Hearts of Montage public relations team. These efforts include but are not limited to press releases, website references, newsletter articles, on-site permanent and temporary signage. These references are subject to the review and approval of the Hearts of Montage public relations director.

To apply, please send written requests to:

Heather Brown
Marketing Manager
Montage Resort & Spa
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Fax: 949-715-6130
No phone calls please.

Policy on Non-Discrimination

We do not knowingly support grantee organizations that discriminate in their provision of service based on race, color, religious affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, physical appearance, national origin, language, educational background, or veteran status - even if the particular program for which funds are requested does not discriminate along these lines. Organizations that are found to discriminate in their provision of service based on any of these criteria may be required to return any grant awards, and may be rendered.

General Criteria:

What does Hearts of Montage look for when we review your grant proposal? We evaluate a number of important factors. Our overall goal is to fund initiatives that best align and further the Hearts of Montage mission.

  1. Does the proposed project bring people together in a common effort that would not otherwise happen?
  2. Does it increase the capacity of individuals, groups, or the entire community?
  3. Does it build community?
  4. Would it happen without our funding?
  5. Does it leverage other funding or create the likelihood of other activities as a result?
  6. Is the project or organization addressing concerns of greatest importance to the community?
  7. Does it create, promote, or increase civic engagement?
  8. Is the organization strong, financially healthy and well managed?
  9. Are the key people in the project to be funded, likely to produce successful outcomes?
  10. Are there specific outcomes described that are appropriate to the goals of the project?
  11. If the outcomes are steps to long-term change, are the benchmarks appropriate to the long-term goals?
  12. If sustainability is appropriate to the project, is there a viable plan for long-term funding?
  13. Do the outcomes described improve the capacity of people or organizations to function better as members of an interconnected community and/or to build essential life skills?
  14. Is the organizational commitment to the request clear and appropriate?
  15. Has the organization made appropriate connections with other organizations doing similar or closely related work?
  16. What is the total funding picture for the request, and is the amount requested of us appropriate?
  17. How does this request build upon existing strengths n the organization and the community?
  18. Is the organization reflective of the community it serves?
  19. Is the work of the organization respectful of the populations it serves?
  20. If the request is for something with a high element of risk, what is compelling enough for us to take that leap of faith?
  21. Is this project or organization involving the people most essential to its success?
  22. Are the necessary commitments in place for us to make an informed judgment about the likelihood of the project for successful outcomes?
  23. Does this request align and further the Hearts of Montage mission and the mission of the requesting organization?
  24. Is the timing right for this project to succeed?