Community Focus Grant Program: Robert H. Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund

The Community Focus Grant Program, supported by the Robert H. Janssen Foundation, aims to enhance youth enrichment and sports programs within San Luis Obispo County. This initiative, reflective of the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, promotes community inclusivity and mentorship. Grants target nonprofit organizations, focusing on direct service costs to ensure access for all youth, regardless of income, while emphasizing active participation in enriching activities.

The Community Focus Grant program works closely with Field of Interest and donor designated funds to address specific challenges. This grant provides funding in the following areas:

• Robert H. Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund

Through the generosity of the Robert H. Janssen Foundation, grants are available to local nonprofit organizations providing youth enrichment programs and/or youth sports programs in the City of SLO and adjacent area within San Luis Obispo County. The Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund seeks to support programs that enrich the lives of local youth and ideally reflect the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. Mr. Janssen was a lifelong resident of SLO County and devoted a considerable amount of time to local youth sports and other community and youth activities. He valued the benefits for all youth that could be gained through participation in team activities with positive adult mentorship.
Janssen grant funds should represent only a portion of the funds required to implement the program, and a preference is to support direct service costs. The Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund seeks to primarily support youth sports programs in San Luis Obispo County that provide access to all segments of the community regardless of income level. Secondly, the Fund will support youth enrichment activities in the City of San Luis Obispo and adjacent area, with an emphasis on active participation over educational programming.

Eligibility

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County supports charitable organizations whose programs primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents.An organization must have a current tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)1 or a current memorandum of understanding outlining fiscal sponsorship partnership to apply.

Ineligibility

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County does not make grants to/for:IndividualsOrganizations that discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race or religionFraternal Organizations, unless in support of a specific program open to or benefiting the entire communityGovernmental OrganizationsIndirect Administrative costs greater than 15% of the awarded funds (indirect administrative funds are defined as office supplies and do not include staff time)Fundraising events such as annual campaigns, walk-a-thons, tournaments, fashion shows, auctions or dinnersOrganizations with religious affiliations unless the program is open to the entire community without regard to religious beliefsOrganizations and programs designed to elect candidates to public officeOrganizations located outside San Luis Obispo County unless for a specific program benefiting residents of-and conducted within-San Luis Obispo CountyPay off past debts or existing obligationsEndowment fundsScholarships, fellowships, travel grants and technical or specialized research