Martinez Community Foundation

Grant Assistance Workshop

New Leaf Collaborative Awarded Phase 2 Grant for “Meet Me Martinez!” Project

By Stephen Andrews, President, Martinez Community Foundation

The Martinez Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded local nonprofit New Leaf Collaborative (NLC) with a $13,000 grant for Phase 2 of its successful “Meet Me Martinez!” project celebrating community spaces featuring native flora.

A partnership with the Friends of Alhambra Creek, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, the John Muir Association, and the John Muir National Historic Site, “Meet Me Martinez!” integrates environmental stewardship, education, and community engagement through public events held at garden sites along the Alhambra Native Plant Trail that travels from Ferry Point at the Martinez Marina to the native garden at the John Muir Visitor Center. To download a map of the trail visit: https://www.ccrcd.org/friends-of-alhambra-creek

During Phase 1 of the project, funded by MCF in 2024, NLC and partners held six community events involving the removal of invasive species, the planting of native species, and increasing native plant awareness through art. The events attracted more than 150 participants representing a broad spectrum of the Martinez community. “The energy of everyone who attended events really shows in the completion of the new plantings,” noted Ellen Concepcion, executive director of NLC.

Phase 2, to begin this summer, will focus on community events featuring native, pollinator-friendly plantings along the native plant trail that also support wildlife. Participants of NLC’s Martinez Boys and Girls Club program will create artwork expressing the importance of biodiversity for display at trail sites in anticipation of the 2026 Martinez sesquicentennial.

As MCF Board member Marta Van Loan commented, “It’s appropriate that we should shine light on the environmental heritage of Martinez as we plan to celebrate the City’s 150th anniversary.”

Look for news of “Meet Me Martinez!” events in upcoming editions of the Diablo Gazette.


About New Leaf Collaborative

New Leaf Collaborative (NLC) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation whose mission is to provide hands-on, learning and leadership opportunities, in science, nature and environmental literacy in order to inspire curiosity and connection in our youth and communities.

To learn more about New Leaf Collaborative visit: https://newleafcollaborative.org/

About the Martinez Community Foundation

The Martinez Community Foundation (MCF) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation whose mission is to promote, champion, and enhance an equitable and sustainable quality of life for the people of Martinez.

To learn more about the Martinez Community Foundation visit: https://www.martinezcommunityfoundation.org/

FRIENDS OF ALHAMBRA CREEK Established in 1991, Friends of Alhambra Creek is a volunteer group that brings people and Alhambra Creek together to protect the health of the creek and its surrounding community. They have collaborated with other people and agencies to participate in, and carry out, a wide range of projects.

Martinez Community Foundation to Hold Grant Workshop July 8th

Stephen Andrews, President, Martinez Community FoundationThe Martinez Community Foundation (MCF) will hold a pre-application workshop for local nonprofit organizations interested in applying for a FY 2025-2026 grant. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 8 from 10am-12pm at the Martinez Yacht Club, 111 Tarantino Drive.

MCF’s mission to promote, champion, and enhance an equitable and sustainable quality of life for the people of Martinez is carried out through grants approved by the Board of Directors that address one or more of the Foundation’s five focus areas.

Community Engagement
Promoting cooperation and collaboration among Martinez residents to build community resilience and prosperity.

Environment
Sustaining the quality and health of the natural resources of Martinez with emphasis on clean air, water, and soil.

Arts & Culture
Celebrating the diversity of Martinez through community celebrations and art installations.

Economic Opportunity
Encouraging entrepreneurship and the creation of community-based small business to support and sustain Martinez residents.

Education & Skills Development
Fostering informal opportunities for community learning and skills development via workshops, work events, camps, and volunteer service.

The Board of Directors is pledged is utilize the funds of the MCF as a community incubator to foster a rich and sustainable legacy that benefits the whole of Martinez.

Attendees of the July 8 workshop will receive information about eligibility requirements, available funding, program milestone dates, application completion tips, the selection process, and reporting requirements.

Community nonprofit groups based in or serving Martinez are encouraged to attend. Interested organizations can register by visiting MCF’s website https://martinezcommunityfoundation.org and selecting the “Pre-application Workshop” button at the top of the homepage.

The Martinez Community Foundation (MCF) presents New Leaf Collaborative (NLC) and partners with $13,000 grant award for “Meet Me Martinez!” Phase 2. Pictured L-R: Shradha Shakya, Martinez Site Director Boys and Girls Club, Stephen Andrews, MCF President, Jamie Menusco, Friends of Alhambra Creek (FoAC), Jane Moore, FoAC with rescue canine Gracie, Ellen Concepcion, NLC Executive Director, Elaine Jackson, FoAC, and Jose’ Luis Marquez, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club. MCF is hosting its FY 2025-26 grant workshop on July 8.
Photo by: Roan Foote, Youth photographer for the Diablo Gazette.

Martinez Community Foundation Encouraging entrepreneurship and the creation of community-based small businesses to support and sustain Martinez residents.

King of the County BBQ & Music Festival is this coming weekend, Friday, June 13th - Sunday.