Community Encouraged to Participate in Disability Pride Activities

San Luis Obispo, CA – Since the 1990 passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, July has been recognized as Disability Pride Month: a time for celebrating the diverse experiences, accomplishments and history of people with disabilities. Affecting more than one in four Americans (27% per CDC, 2023), disability is the largest, most diverse minority, intersecting with all other marginalized groups or social identities. SLO Access for All (AFA), a field of interest fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, advocates for an accessible, diverse and welcoming community that values disability as diversity and encourages the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of SLO County living.

“Disability is the minority anyone can join at any time,” said AFA fund committee Co-Chair John Lee. “So the ADA is ultimately there for all of us whenever we may need it, making it something worth celebrating by all.”

Taking time to recognize and celebrate disability as a natural part of the diverse human experience brings disability to the forefront of consideration, a crucial aspect for advocates.

“Disability is diverse, it can be permanent or temporary, and it isn’t always apparent,” said AFA fund committee Co-Chair Sarah Flickinger. “Normalizing talking about disability, celebrating accomplishments of people with disabilities, and encouraging pride among disabled individuals all support a community where everyone has a sense of belonging.” 

The most recent Community Health Assessment for San Luis Obispo County indicates that 25.6 percent of county residents have a disability (published in 2018; using data from UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, AskCHIS, 2014-2016 pooled average, http://ask.chis.ucla.edu). However, national statistics indicate increases since this time. 

Ways to support people with disabilities in San Luis Obispo County abound, from individual organizations and programs, to advocacy and more general educational and engagement opportunities.

SLO Access for All offers regular mixer networking opportunities where all are welcome, and hosts monthly meetings for those interested in supporting the fund with time and expertise. AFA also has advocates available to speak to educational, workplace and community organizations. In 2022 the SLO Access for All fund awarded its first community grant, $5,000 toward development of the Garden For All program at City Farm SLO, and plans to continue offering grants to local organizations with ongoing community support.

“For Disability Pride Month we encourage the community to celebrate with us,” said Flickinger. “We’ll be hosting our next mixer – an ADA birthday party – July 18, and we always welcome contributions of any size – even $33 in celebration of the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act – as we continue to grow the fund. Contributions allow us to provide support in ways that directly benefit developing a more universally accessible community for all.”

At $33 per donation, it would only take 485 individual contributions to reach the fund’s goal of raising $16,000 in 2023, representing approximately 0.17 percent of the county population (278,348 as of January 1, 2023). Contributions can be made to the SLO Access for All Fund here. To learn more, please visit SLOAccessForAll.org or contact The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.

SLO Access for All is a field of interest fund at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, working and advocating for an accessible, diverse and welcoming community that values disability as diversity and encourages the full participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of SLO County life. This year The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is celebrating 25 years of making a difference through philanthropy leadership.

 

$70,000 in Disaster Recovery Grants Awarded to SLO County Nonprofits

At the turn of this year, our community faced the devastating impact of winter storms and floods, leaving many individuals and organizations grappling with the aftermath. In response to this challenging situation, the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) launched the Disaster Recovery Grants program. We are delighted to announce that, with the generous support of the League of California Community Foundations, we have awarded a total of $70,000 to nonprofit organizations and individuals affected by the storms.

“We are humbled and proud to witness the profound impact that the deployment of disaster relief has had on our community’s journey toward healing and renewal. These grants will provide a vital lifeline to those affected by the devastating winter storms, enabling organizations to rebuild, repair, and restore what has been damaged or lost.” – Heidi McPherson, the CEO of The Community Foundation.

 

In collaboration with city officials and first responders, CFSLOCO carefully reviewed over $120,000 in funding requests. The applications were evaluated based on the extent of damages incurred and the compelling plans presented for recovery. Each story touched us deeply, as we witnessed the profound impact of the storms on the lives of individuals, families, and the organizations serving them.

Through these grants, we aim to provide not only financial support but also a message of hope and resilience. We stand beside these organizations, offering a helping hand as they navigate the path to recovery, and believe that together we can demonstrate the true strength that emerges when diverse entities come together for the greater good.

The following organizations have been awarded grants to aid in their recovery efforts:

Achievement House
Amount: $5,000
Achievement House experienced multiple roof leaks and flooding caused by the winter storms. The impact was significant, disrupting their daily programs and compromising the safety of staff, clients, and customers. This grant will assist in covering the costs of necessary repairs, allowing them to resume their vital services.

Central Coast Parks Association
Amount: $5,000
Central Coast Parks Association is dedicated to promoting the understanding and conservation of natural and cultural resources through interpretive educational programs. The severe impact of the storms forced them to close their facilities for almost four months, resulting in a substantial revenue loss. This grant will help offset their operational losses, as they continue their valuable work.

City Farm SLO
Amount: $9,000
City Farm SLO, whose crop fields and equipment were submerged underwater for over 48 hours, suffered significant setbacks. The destruction of crops and soil pollution disrupted their operations and sales for several months. Funding will support operational recovery, future flood preparedness, and provide assistance to farmers leasing land from City Farm SLO.

Friends of Camp Natoma, Inc.
Amount: $10,000
Camp Natoma experienced extensive damages due to the winter storms, including mudslides, fallen trees, and debris that required professional cleanup. Access to the camp was severely affected, hindering their ability to serve the community. Part of this grant will be allocated towards improving infrastructure, such as additional drains and culverts, to prevent future damage.

Restorative Partners
Amount: $10,000
The recent storms had a detrimental impact on Anna’s Home, a transitional home for women and children supported by Restorative Partners. The structural damage to the roof compromised the safety and functionality of the entire facility. This grant will enable the repair and restoration necessary to provide a secure and supportive environment for those in need.

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden
Amount: $10,000
The Garden experienced significant disruptions due to the storms, including the cancellation of numerous evening programs and damage throughout the property. Particularly, the Children’s Garden and Retail Nursery suffered losses, rendering parts of the space unsafe. Funding will aid in repairing the damage, ensuring the continuity of their educational and cultural contributions to the community.

San Luis Obispo County Search and Rescue
Amount: $10,000
As a nonprofit volunteer agency that responds to local emergencies, San Luis Obispo County Search and Rescue plays a critical role in coordinating with police, fire, and military forces. However, their First Aid Trailer sustained major water damage, rendering it unusable. This grant will assist in repairing and restocking the trailer, ensuring their readiness to serve the community during emergencies.

San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum
Amount: $6,000
The Museum, situated near the San Luis Creek, encountered unforeseen flooding that overwhelmed their existing flood-control system. This resulted in damage to the Children’s Garden and posed a threat to the building itself. Funding will support the reassessment and stabilization of the flood-control system, including the purchase and installation of floodgates, safeguarding the facility and its programs.

SLO County UndocuSupport
Amount: $5,000
Many undocumented community members faced wage loss and property damages due to the winter storms. As they are not eligible for federal assistance, the financial burden has been particularly challenging. This grant will be directed towards nonprofits that offer direct financial relief assistance to individuals, providing much-needed support during their recovery process.

CFSLOCO extends its gratitude to all the organizations that applied for the grants, recognizing their commitment to our community. We also want to extend gratitude to the League of California Community Foundations for their generosity, and the government leaders, businesses, philanthropic groups who worked together to locate our community’s greatest needs. 

Congratulations to the recipients of the Disaster Recovery Grants. Your determination to rebuild and create a brighter future for San Luis Obispo County inspires us all.

Stay tuned for updates on the progress made by these organizations as they continue their recovery efforts, and join us in supporting their incredible work. If you would like to contribute towards helping nonprofits and their clients recover from disaster you can make a donation at https://www.cfsloco.org/donate/?fund=3894.

Please register by July 7 as space is limited. 

Event details:

• 3pm BBQ, Drinks & Music
• 4pm Program & Performances

This is a 21 and over event, alcohol will be served.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA –  The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) is marking its 25th Anniversary with a remarkable act of generosity, as it donates $100,000 to support local programs and nonprofits. This significant contribution reflects CFSLOCO’s unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact in the community it serves. A portion of these funds will be distributed at the highly anticipated Summer Picnic on July 14th, and the entire community is invited to join the celebration.

At the turn of 2023, CFSLOCO rang in 25 years of making a difference across the county through philanthropic leadership. For decades, they have been connecting passionate community members to causes they care about. Thanks to continued contributions from SLO County supporters, they have reinvested $66 million back into the community via grants and scholarships. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, CFSLOCO held its first regional event in May, where five organizations were awarded a total of $25,000. The Boys and Girls Club of the Mid-Central Coast, Lumina Alliance, Promotores Collaborative, The Link, and Paso Robles Youth Arts Center each received a $5,000 grant. 

The remaining $75,000 of this community gift will be distributed among 15 additional nonprofits, which will be announced at the upcoming regional events. The Summer Picnic on July 14 is the largest and most anticipated celebration. Open to the public, this special occasion in San Luis Obispo will serve as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of donors, volunteers, and nonprofits. The event will showcase the positive impact achieved through their collective efforts.

“This $100,000 gift exemplifies our commitment to nurturing this community, and is a testament to the profound impact that collaboration and collective action can have,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of CFSLOCO. “Together, we continue to forge a path towards a stronger and more vibrant San Luis Obispo County, where everyone has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.”

The Summer Picnic promises to be a memorable event, and serves as a poignant moment to express gratitude to the extraordinary individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have selflessly contributed their time, talent, and financial support to enhance the well-being of our community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this remarkable celebration of community spirit.

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: 25th Anniversary Summer Picnic
WHEN: July 14, 2023
WHERE: Cuesta Canyon County Park, 2400 Loomis St, San Luis Obispo
EVENT SCHEDULE:
3pm BBQ, Drinks & Music
4pm Program & Performances
This is a 21 and over event, alcohol will be served.

To confirm media attendance or for inquiries about the event, kindly contact Leila Dufurrena at [email protected].

Awards made possible by funds held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. — The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce the distribution of over $400,000 in scholarships to 71 high school and college students for the 2023-2024 school year. A host of volunteer community members diligently reviewed applications and selected deserving recipients who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to creating positive change within their communities, making the program a true community effort.  

Scholarships are generously funded by valued donors to the Foundation, and provide not only financial assistance but also invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship for the students. Earlier this year, nine exceptional students were honored with scholarships through The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Award, bringing the total amount of scholarship awards for 2023 to a remarkable $408,000. This marks a significant increase in financial support compared to the previous year, demonstrating the community’s commitment to empowering the educational aspirations of local students.

Among the recipients is Olivia Wright, who expressed her gratitude for the Weyhrich Leadership Award, stating, “I had the chance to share my passions, values, and commitment to creating positive change. It was only during this interview that I truly understood the significance of the Weyhrich Leadership Award. Not only was it a financial opportunity, but it also provided a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and mentors who would shape my journey.”

 

When asked about what a scholarship means to her, Morro Bay High School Graduate Wafa Bhatti shared: “It means that the changes I want to make in my life and the world around me are that much more feasible. Growing up in a first-generation household, college has always been emphasized as a foundation for success and, more than that, a way to solidify our family’s roots here in America. With this scholarship, I can make good on my parents’ sacrifices while also branching beyond the foundation they’ve laid.” Wafa will be attending UC Irvine in the fall.

For over two decades, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County’s Scholarship Program has been instrumental in fostering educational access for students from diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits. This year’s scholarships reflect the wide range of interests and career paths pursued by San Luis Obispo County students, encompassing fields such as nursing, agriculture, technology, and beyond.

Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation shared, “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are immensely grateful for the donors who make these scholarships possible, enabling us to reward students from various backgrounds and empower them to pursue higher education. Their support has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students throughout our community.”

The scholarships provided by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County support various education-related expenses, including tuition, textbooks, room and board fees, and other qualified educational needs. Unlike loans, these scholarships do not require repayment and are not considered taxable income.

Students from all academic disciplines and backgrounds are considered for scholarships, with criteria that ranges from supporting financially disadvantaged students aspiring to attend a 4-year university, first-generation college students whose parents work in vineyards or farms, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and women pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

For further information about scholarship and grant opportunities, please contact Cassandra Kartashov, Director of Grants & Programs, at [email protected]. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County remains committed to empowering students and fostering educational excellence in our community.

View the full list of 2023 Scholarship Recipients HERE. 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) has announced the latest recipients of the Women’s Legacy Fund and Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund grants, awarding a total of over $120,000 to dozens of local nonprofits.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, these grants will empower organizations dedicated to supporting women’s initiatives, youth development, and sports programs to achieve their goals and make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

Established by the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Board of Directors in 2003, the Women’s Legacy Fund is the only endowment in the County that targets the needs of women and girls. Grants from the fund support organizations that assist women and girls to strengthen their physical, emotional, intellectual, and financial well-being. Each year, the Women’s Legacy Fund Advisory Committee identifies a focus for grant-making in the areas of economic independence, basic needs, safety, reproductive health, education, and mental health.

Women’s Legacy Fund: $65,000

Boys & Girls Club of South SLO County	To support access to childcare for single mother low-income families	$11,000
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of San Luis Obispo County	To provide additional support for volunteers assigned to girls with mental health challenges	$10,000
Lumina Alliance	To support childcare services for sexual assault & intimate partner violence survivors	$20,000
Transitions Mental Health Association	To support the Teen Support Group	$24,000

These awards come just in time to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, and will have a significant impact in supporting access to childcare for single mother low-income families, the health and well-being of teenage girls, and increased access to services.

The Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund provides grants to local nonprofit organizations providing youth enrichment programs and/or youth sports programs in the City of SLO and adjacent areas within San Luis Obispo County. The fund seeks to support programs that enrich the lives of local youth and reflect the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. Robert Janssen was a lifelong resident of SLO County who devoted a considerable amount of time to local youth sports and other community and youth activities.

“Robert Janssen was a special soul who devoted a great deal of his life to a special cause — our youth,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation. “We look forward to honoring Bob’s legacy by continuing to support and enrich youth activities across the county.”

The following nonprofits have been awarded grants from the Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund:

Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund: $60,960

Central Coast Aquarium	To support Tidepools on Tour scholarships	$2,500
Central Coast Autism Spectrum Center	To support Camp Expedition supplies and equipment	$3,800
Community Foundation of Estero Bay	To support sports scholarships and equipment for Estero Bay youth	$5,000
Edna 4-H	To support swine projects and general insurance for the club	$2,600
El Camino Homeless Organization	To support ECHO Children’s Programs: Sports Program	$3,000
Five Cities Youth Baseball	To support the Ford and Rocker Fields batting cages	$2,560
Friends of Camp Natoma, Inc	To support Camp Natoma Camperships	$5,000
Jack’s Helping Hand	To support Camp Reach for the Stars	$5,000
Pacific Coast Youth Football League	To support sports scholarships and equipment	$5,000
SLO County YMCA	To supports youth basketball programs	$5,000
SLO Hockey	To support scholarships and equipment	$2,500
South County Youth Coalition	To support sports scholarships	$5,000
Surfing for Hope	To support Pure Stoke Youth Surf Camps	$5,000
The First Tee Central Coast	To support fee wavier expenses in San Luis Obispo County	$5,000
Transitions Mental Health Association	To support the Youth Treatment Program- Equine Therapy	$4,000

More grant opportunities for 2023 will become available through their General Grants Program, slated to commence on June 1st. As part of their ongoing outreach efforts, CFSLOCO will be conducting an informative Grant Session via Zoom on Thursday, June 8th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Interested parties are kindly invited to click here to register and secure a spot for this session.

To see the detailed award breakdown thus far and to explore future grant opportunities, please visit https://www.cfsloco.org/nonprofits-2/grantees/ or contact Cassandra Kartashov.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (805) 543-2323

A condensed version of this announcement was shared on KEYT, to view the original release, head to keyt.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has earmarked $300,000 in grants to help build out downtown SLO’s Cultural Arts District adjacent to Mission Plaza, focusing the bulk of the money on the construction of a new theater and art museum.

The grants will be made from the Ken and Martha Schwartz Fund, a donor advised fund held by the Community Foundation. The grants are to be used to help build a new venue for SLO Repertory Theatre  (SLO REP) and a new building for SLO Museum of Art (SLOMA), officials for the three organizations announced today.

The Schwartz Fund advisors recommended the distribution as an appropriate tribute to Ken and Martha Schwartz, noting that Ken Schwartz, a legendary Cal Poly professor in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design who also served as SLO city mayor 1969-79, spearheaded the creation of Mission Plaza and envisioned a future buildout of a cultural arts district adjacent to the Mission along a portion of Monterey Street. A rendering of the planned SLO Repertory Theatre addition by architect Bryce Engstrom is below.

The Schwartz Fund advisors – architect Charles Crotser, former SLO City Manager John Dunn and graphic designer Pierre Rademaker – were long-time friends of Ken and Martha Schwartz. Inspired by Ken and Martha’s vision and dedication, they established the fund in 2005 shortly after Martha’s death to honor her activism on behalf of beautifying the city, as well as to honor Ken’s vision for the creation of Mission Plaza and his desire to see the establishment of a thriving cultural arts district. The bulk of the fund comes from a gift from the Schwartz estate given after Ken Schwartz’s death in 2019.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Draws High Praise  from Elected Officials

Local Leaders Acknowledge Foundation’s 25 Years of Service

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, which has recently garnered notable attention from local officials and policy makers. At a recent meeting of the County Board of Supervisors, several county supervisors paid tribute to the Foundation’s work as a catalyst for local philanthropy, and U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta expressed his appreciation for CFSLOCO’s decades-long commitment to the greater San Luis Obispo community.

County Supervisors Arnold, Gibson, Paulding, and Peschong all expressed their gratitude for the Foundation’s impact in the community, highlighting its efforts to support and empower local nonprofits and address critical issues facing the region.

“We are proud to have The Community Foundation as a partner in our work to build a stronger, more resilient community,” said County Supervisor John Peshong. “Their dedication to fostering philanthropy and driving positive change in San Luis Obispo County is truly inspiring.”

Congressman Panetta visited The Community Foundation’s office to personally recognize the organization’s contributions to the community. He praised the Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for all residents to thrive and emphasized the importance of philanthropy in building more equitable communities.

“For the last 25 years, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has worked to empower and enhance our communities through philanthropy and service,” said Rep. Panetta. “Their vital work provides support and advances opportunities for the most vulnerable in San Luis Obispo County in their times of need. The people of San Luis Obispo County are grateful for the work of their Community Foundation, and I look forward to supporting them so that they can continue to serve and enhance our community.” 

The expressions of gratitude from local officials and policymakers highlight the important role The Community Foundation has played in promoting philanthropy and community service for the past 25 years. Heidi McPherson has been leading as CEO since 2014 and has established it as a regional leader in philanthropy. “The Community Foundation is honored to receive this recognition from such esteemed leaders in our community,” says McPherson. “We remain committed to creating a just and equitable community that respects and provides support for all our residents, enabling them to thrive here.”

For more information visit https://www.cfsloco.org/about-us/celebrating-25-years/