Mission Statement

Our mission is to strengthen Capitola from the inside out — supporting organizations and initiatives that foster community well-being, encourage civic engagement, and build a connected, resilient future for all who live and work here.

Ercilia Medeiros @capitolalove

Our Story

Capitola Cares was founded by residents who wanted to create positive, practical change at the local level. By channeling community generosity into direct action, the organization helps fill gaps in traditional funding, celebrate collaboration, and turn caring into impact.

Board of Directors

  • Meghan Morrissey

    Director/Chair

  • Heidy Kellison

    Director

  • Nels Westman

    Director

  • Gayle Ortiz

    Director

Capitola Cares Announces Formation and First Community Grant Awards

CAPITOLA, CA — Capitola Cares, a new nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those who live and work in Capitola, has announced its formation and the recipients of its 2025 community grants.

The organization was founded to foster hope and collaboration at a time when many people are feeling the strain of national divisiveness. Through fundraising, information sharing, advocacy, and civic participation, Capitola Cares supports community well-being in the areas of health, education, economic vitality, environmental stewardship, public safety, and lifelong enrichment — while encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping their community’s future.

“Capitola has always had a strong sense of community,” said Meghan Morrissey, President of Capitola Cares. “When the world feels divided, coming together locally reminds us of what’s possible. By supporting the people and organizations that strengthen Capitola, we’re helping build a community grounded in connection and shared purpose right here at home.”

In announcing Capitola Cares’ first round of grants, Morrissey emphasized the Board worked carefully to allocate funds across a broad cross-section of the community — investing in programs that reflect the organization’s core areas, reach diverse populations, and fill gaps where traditional grant funding doesn’t always extend.

This year’s awards include:

  • Mid-County Senior Center, Inc. — to replace the center’s commercial dishwasher, restoring kitchen functionality and facility rentals.

  • Grey Bears — to help fill a food distribution gap created by reduced federal funding.

  • Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County — to help provide meals to residents facing food insecurity.

  • Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery (located in the Capitola Mall) — to help fund Wonder Weeks, a summer camp serving children ages 4–5.

  • New Brighton Middle School — to support an attendance improvement program and continue the school’s garden program.

  • Soquel High School Agricultural Program — to enhance agricultural education, helping students gain hands-on experience and build career and college readiness.

  • Cabrillo College Foundation — to provide scholarships for students residing in Capitola.

  • Capitola Junior Guards Parents Club — to provide scholarships for Capitola youth who would otherwise be unable to participate.

In addition, Capitola Cares is collaborating with the Capitola Police Department to expand community education around e-bike safety and awareness.

Capitola Cares is a nonpartisan, community-anchored nonprofit that welcomes collaboration with residents, businesses, and organizations dedicated to improving local quality of life.