SLOCCF: General Grant Program

The SLOCCF General Grant Program, managed by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, provides unrestricted funding to local nonprofits serving the community. This competitive grant process involves a thorough review by an external committee focused on enhancing access to opportunities and dismantling disparities. Eligible organizations must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents and hold a valid 501(c)(3) status. Grants are available for arts, environment, health, and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

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.
General Grants Program
CFSLOCO offers an opportunity for local nonprofits to request funding support through a competitive process. The competitive process includes review and decision by an external evaluation committee comprised of community experts, community volunteers, and staff. Applications will be assessed using these criteria:

• serving San Luis Obispo County residents
• centering the voices and perspectives of communities served
• dismantling disparities and increasing access to opportunities
• utilizing substantiated data to inform strategy and programs

Our application is open to organizations doing work in the below issue areas. Submitted applications will be further assessed using the issue-based criteria listed here:
Arts: supporting organizations which promote creation, engagement, and appreciation of diverse forms of art and/or understanding of local history.Environment: organizations which focus on education and sustainability that includes efforts focused on climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and forestry, water and land conservation.Health & Human Services: improving the quality of life by providing for basic needs and social service programs, focusing on direct services.Seniors and People with Disabilities: funding is designated for organizations providing direct services for individuals with disabilities and/or seniors.
All general grants will be unrestricted and will have a two-year funding term.

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