First 5 Monterey County, also known as, as the Monterey County Children and Families Commission, was established in 1999 following the passage of Proposition 10, which added a 50 cent tax to all tobacco products.  The statewide- collected funds are distributed to each county based on annual birthrates and are earmarked to enhance the lives of children from the prenatal stages through age 5. 

First 5 Monterey County is responsible for receiving and disbursing Monterey County’s Proposition 10 funds and carrying out the implementation of the California Children and Families Act.  The Commission  an independent public agency with a staff of ten that is governed by a seven-member board of Commissioners.

First 5 Monterey County supports community partnerships and programs that enhance the lives of children, from the prenatal stages through age 5, and their families.   

First 5 Monterey County allocates approximately $5 million dollars a year to support local agencies and programs working with young children and their families.  Funding recipients are chosen through an application and evaluation process.  Click here for to see a list of partners funded currently through Fiscal Year 2010/11. 

To read more about us and our future priorities, please read the 2007-2015 Strategic Plan.  

First 5 Monterey County's Ordinance No.  5034

First 5 Monterey County's By-laws