Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund
Mission Statement:
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund supports organizations that advance the safety, wellbeing, and visibility of LGBTQIA+ people in San Luis Obispo County.
Vision Statement:
San Luis Obispo County will be a safer, healthier, and more supportive home for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, made possible by sustained funding for their most pressing needs.
About the Fund – Empowering Through Action
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a community-led initiative committed to building a more inclusive future. Since 2001, the Fund has worked to uplift and support LGBTQIA+ people through grantmaking, school-based support, and events that foster connection and advocacy.
Support for GSA Clubs
In partnership with local schools, the Fund provides resources for Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs on high school and college campuses, helping to create safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies.
Local Grantmaking
We fund organizations advancing LGBTQIA+ health, safety, visibility, and inclusion.
Community Events
Pride Brunch is a joyful annual gathering that celebrates and supports LGBTQIA+ communities on the Central Coast. Guests come together over brunch and bubbles to hear stories of resilience, connect with allies and advocates, and honor the progress of the community. The event builds visibility, strengthens belonging, and inspires continued action. Proceeds benefit the Growing Together Fund, which supports local programs and initiatives serving LGBTQ+ people. Tickets are available each spring on our events page.
Support the Fund
Your gift strengthens programs and services that uplift LGBTQIA+ people across San Luis Obispo County—from youth scholarships and GSA support to grants for inclusive healthcare and advocacy. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build a future rooted in equity and belonging.
Donate to Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund
Leadership and History
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund was established in 2001 through grants from the National Lesbian and Gay Funding Partnership and contributions from local donors. The Fund continues to support LGBTQIA+ programs and educational opportunities each year under the guidance of the Growing Together Fund Advisory Committee.
The committee includes Community Foundation staff and Board members, as well as volunteer community members and representatives from education, law enforcement, faith communities, LGBTQIA+ serving organizations. Using local research and community data, the committee prioritizes funding to address the most pressing needs. Explore community reports and data here.
Impact
More than $400,000 in grants awarded since 2002
An endowment of over $600,000 sustaining local inclusiveness efforts in perpetuity
One recent grant supported Planned Parenthood California Central Coast:
“The Growing Together Fund enabled us to support gender-affirming care services for San Luis Obispo County patients. These funds make a vital difference in providing Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy, inclusive mental health support, and LGBTQ+ centered STI and birth control services.”
— Mariam Shah, Director of Public Affairs
Grant Opportunities
General Grants Application
GSA Club Grants (up to $1,000)
