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SMMC Philanthropy
INVESTING IN THE YEAR AHEAD: SMMC PHILANTHROPY GRANTS FOR MARIN FAMILIES
By: Sarah Dobrovolny and Mikaela Mora | March 3, 2026
Each year, SMMC Philanthropy awards grants to nonprofit partners serving families with children across Marin County. Issued in February 2026, these grants help fuel the important work our partners will carry forward in the months ahead — strengthening families, responding to real-time needs, and creating opportunities for stability and growth.
This year, SMMC has awarded over $17,000 to five nonprofit organizations, funded in part by SMMC membership dues. These investments will support programs focused on housing stability, child safety, disability advocacy, foster youth support, and postpartum care — ensuring families across Marin have access to resources when they need them most.
Gilead House received $4,000 to support its temporary housing and life-skills programming for mothers and children impacted by domestic violence. Over the coming year, this funding will make it possible for families in the program to access meaningful summer activities — giving children opportunities to learn, explore, and feel included, and offering moments of relief and joy to single mothers navigating extraordinary challenges.
The Postpartum Support Center (PPSC) was awarded $4,000 to strengthen two essential programs that will serve families throughout the year ahead: the Diaper Bank and Car Seat Safety & Distribution Program. Grant funds will provide diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for approximately 100 children, as well as support the purchase of about 15 all-stage convertible car seats — helping families meet everyday needs while promoting child safety and dignity.
Homeward Bound of Marin received $5,000 to support families experiencing homelessness through grocery store gift cards for Thanksgiving meals later this year. Serving over 90 families annually through Marin’s only family shelter and supportive housing programs, Homeward Bound helps ensure families can come together around nourishment, choice, and a sense of home during the holiday season.
Matrix Parents at Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL) was awarded $2,000 to support its whole-family approach for families raising children and young adults with disabilities. In the year ahead, these funds will help provide one-on-one parent support, IEP guidance, benefits navigation, caregiver resources, and assistive technology — empowering families as they navigate complex systems together.
Marin Foster Care Association (MFCA) received $2,500 for its Opportunity Project, a year-round program supporting foster youth and their families. Grant funding will help cover essentials like eyeglasses, clothing, and school supplies, while also making experiences possible — camps, lessons, sports, and creative outlets — that promote healing, confidence, and connection.
While Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT) did not receive a direct grant this cycle, SMMC is proud to support their work in a meaningful way. 100% of silent auction proceeds from Parents’ Night Out on March 6 will go to MCCT’s Safety Net Services program, which reflects a simple belief: every family deserves stability, dignity, and the chance to thrive. By providing culturally responsive, wrap-around support — from emergency assistance to life-skills coaching — MCCT partners with families, particularly those historically underserved, to build stronger futures for parents and children across Marin.
Together, these investments set the stage for a year of meaningful impact — and there are many ways to be part of what comes next. SMMC Philanthropy is always looking for members who want to get more involved, whether as a Philanthropy Co-Chair on the Board, a philanthropy team member helping plan grants and events, or a volunteer supporting philanthropy events throughout the year. If you’re inspired by community care, collaboration, and making a tangible difference for Marin families, we’d love to grow this work together.
Email philanthropy@southernmarinmoms.com to learn more.
More from this issue:
SMMC Community: Honoring the Tahoe Avalanche Victims Read >>
SMMC Philanthropy: Investing in the Year Ahead—Grants for Marin Families Read >>
Nurtured Mommy: Needing a Hand Read >>
In Real Life: Blossoming In Real Life Read >>
Kate’s Take: How Many Seeds Make a Lawn? Read >>
Sacred Moments: Beyond the Baby Shower—Meaningful Ways to Welcome Your Little One Read >>
Growing in Motion: Understanding CMT—What Parents Need to Know Read >>
Where the Heart Resides: What Happens When Girls Build Read >>
Design Diaries: The Heart of a Home is the People—Designing Spaces That Invite Connection Read >>
Style Savvy: Stepping Into the Woman You’re Becoming Read >>