Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund Grant

The Growing Together: An LGBTQ Fund Grant, established by the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, aims to support 501(c)(3) organizations in the region. This fund focuses on enhancing programs for the LGBTQI community, particularly for queer and trans people of color, advancing healthcare for transgender individuals, and creating inclusive spaces in underserved areas. The initiative fosters community awareness and promotes philanthropy, reflecting a commitment to equality and support for marginalized groups.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a resource for local charitable giving. Created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County, The Community Foundation is an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests of the region.
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County established the Growing Together Fund in 2001, an initiative to address the needs of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTQI) community by providing grants, raising community awareness throughout San Luis Obispo County, and through promoting philanthropy.
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund will award grants focus their funding on 501 (c)3 organizations in San Luis Obispo County to strengthen existing programs, or introduce new programs that:
Demonstrate strategies to reach out to, involve, and center queer and trans people of color (QTPOC).Focus on advancing medical and mental health care for transgender and nonbinary people. Create “queer spaces” in currently unserved areas of the county.

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