Women's Legacy Fund Grant

The Women's Legacy Fund Grant, administered by the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation, supports 501(c)(3) organizations serving San Luis Obispo County. The grant focuses on empowering women and girls, addressing critical areas such as affordable housing, childcare, and healthcare. Eligible organizations must prioritize community impact and demonstrate strategies for dismantling disparities. With a commitment to inclusivity, this funding aims to enhance opportunities for underrepresented groups, fostering a more equitable society.

The Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF) awards one and two-year grants to 501c3 organizations in or who serve San Luis Obispo County and are committed to:
Dismantling disparities and increasing access to opportunities for the communities they serveCentering the voices and perspectives of people and communities most impactedUtilizing substantiated data to inform strategy and programs
Focus Areas
WLF will consider proposals for grants that strengthen or expand existing programs or introduce new strategies to the community that prioritize support for women and girls in the following areas:

• Affordable Housing
• Examples:

Building or expanding capacity to tackle the challenges of housing affordabilityDecreasing the number of women and girls experiencing homelessnessNarrowing the gender pay gap as it relates to the cost of living
Childcare
Examples:

• Increasing and stabilizing the childcare workforceAdvocating for local childcare policyExpanding affordable options for quality childcare
• Health Care
• Examples:

Improving access to healthcareReducing barriers to care for non-English speaking residentsLowering the number of girls experiencing emotional distress and suicidal ideation

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