The 17th annual Women’s Legacy Fund Luncheon will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2019. Each year approximately 700 community members come together to celebrate the impact of the Women’s Legacy Fund grant-making and learn about the challenging issues that the women and girls of our community are facing each day. Our keynote speaker this year will be inspirational speaker Tuti Scott who has been educating and energizing social change leaders for more than 25 years. Listen to Tuti share six stories with themes tied to being an advocate for women and girls including how to reflect, advocate, convene, invest, influence, and recognize discrimination against women and girls. You’ll come away from this luncheon understanding the power and active role you can play in supporting and empowering women and girls in San Luis Obispo County and beyond. Tickets for the luncheon may be purchased online at https://wlfslo2019.bpt.me
Professional Advisors Luncheon – October 25, 2019
This is an important educational and networking opportunity on Friday, October 25, 2019 for local professional advisors to keep abreast of topics related to the fields of philanthropy and community leadership. Each year, this event brings together more than 150 attendees at which keynote speakers share their experiences in the fields of both finance and charitable giving. For information about sponsorship click here.
Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award Recipient March 2019
The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award, held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, has announced this year’s recipient: Becky Jorgenson, founder of Hope’s Village of SLO and homeless services advocate.
Becky Jorgenson, longtime San Luis Obispo County resident, founded Hope’s Village of SLO a 501(c)(3) that provides housing for the homeless. Hope’s Village of SLO focuses on promoting community through using cost-effective tiny homes built by volunteers and future Hope’s Village residents.
After the success of Hope’s Village of SLO, Jorgenson went on to establish the Showers of Hope program and the RVs for Veterans program. To date, 85 RVs have been given to local homeless veterans.
The Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian Award annually recognizes an individual for outstanding efforts in advocating for underrepresented people in San Luis Obispo County. This award is designated to honor the individual’s dedication to the San Luis Obispo community as exhibited by the late Dr. Isabel P. Ruiz.
Dr. Ruiz immigrated to the United States from Peru in 1973 and worked as an OB/GYN medical doctor. Throughout her career, she advocated for healthcare affordability and accessibility. Dr. Ruiz was a strong role model for both the Latino community and women.
“We are proud to honor Becky Jorgenson as the 2019 Isabel P. Ruiz Humanitarian award recipient,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. “Ms. Jorgenson is an advocate for the homeless population and her unrelenting efforts help to strengthen our community.
Foundation Sponsors Screenings at SLO Film Festival March 2019
Each year the Foundation supports the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival by sponsoring film screenings that highlight issues important to our community. This year is the 25th anniversary of the festival from March 13-17 and we are proud to have the Women’s Legacy Fund and the Growing Together Initiative Fund sponsor the following impactful documentaries.
- Afghan Cyclesis a feature documentary about a generation of Afghan women who are pedaling their own revolution, aggressively challenging gender and cultural barriers using the bicycle as a vehicle for freedom, empowerment and social change. This inspiring film beautifully documents the indomitable spirit of a small but powerful group of athletes who hope to make the journey easier for future generations.
- Light in the Water is a documentary about the West Hollywood Aquatics Club which was formed in 1982 as the first openly gay swim and water polo club that shattered both world records and homophobic stereotypes. This film follows their battle for acceptance: from their humble beginnings, to how these men and women have become a renowned force fighting injustice in the world of competitive sports and dive into four decades of LGBTQ history.
For more information go to slofilmfest.org or click on movie images below. Tickets are available for purchase online and will also be sold at the venue on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info call 805-546-3456.
Annie Frew Joins The Community Foundation Team – Nov 2018
November 19, 2018
The Community Foundation Announces New Donor Services and Communications Manager Annie Frew Brings Big Picture Vision and Local Experience to The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA ― The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County announced the hiring of Annie Frew to serve as the Donor Services and Communications Manager. Frew’s previous experience as the Assistant Director for State Senator Monning and her status as a San Luis Obispo County native makes her the perfect addition to The Community Foundation Team.
The Community Foundation has grown its endowment to nearly $60 million and is currently celebrating 20 years of impact in San Luis Obispo County. To align with recently identified goals, growth, and future plans, The Community Foundation created the Donor Services and Communications Manager position. This position will allow the upmost service to be provided to all members of The Community Foundation Family.
Frew’s previous experience in the government administration has provided her with exceptional knowledge and experience in leadership, marketing, event management, fundraising, and working with nonprofit organizations. She holds a Master’s degree focused in Public Policy Analysis from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Beyond her technical qualifications, Frew is a proud member of the San Luis Obispo County Community. When she is not working with donors and The Community Foundation team, she embodies the lifestyle of the Central Coast and enjoys the outdoor offerings that make this community special with her husband and her dog.
“Annie’s qualities continue to enhance the leadership embodied by The Community Foundation,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. “Her passion for this community and her experience will be a great addition as we grow and continue to support our donors and impact in San Luis Obispo County.”
For more information about The Community Foundation or the Donor Services and Communications Manager, please visit cfsloco.org or contact Annie Frew at (805) 543-2323.
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About The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a grant making and education foundation supporting charitable work across our county. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has supported our county with grants and scholarships totaling almost $35 million. The Foundation’s charitable assets under management have grown to nearly $60 million and provide support to all aspects of our community in perpetuity. For more information or to donate to any fund or establish a new fund, visit www.cfsloco.org or call (805) 543-2323.
New Board Members Join The Community Foundation Jan 2019
For Immediate Release January 16, 2019
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Announces New Leadership
Kathy Tompkins and Suzanne Fritz Bring Knowledge and Expertise to The Community Foundation
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County recently welcomed Kathy Thompkins and Suzanne Fritz to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of leaders from a variety of backgrounds as well as geographic locations across San Luis Obispo County. Beginning this month, the two new board members joined the group of insightful members to assist in guiding ongoing efforts.
Kathy Tompkins has extensive experience in working with nonprofits. She has served on several boards in our community, including the Community Counseling Center, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and Stand Strong. Kathy and her husband Nick originally owned a produce packing company in Santa Maria and now focus on real estate development with their company, NKT Enterprises. The Tompkins have four children, live in Arroyo Grande and are very active in their community.
Suzanne Fritz has been a member of The Foundation family for many years, most notably as the Chair of the Growing Together Initiative (GTI) Fund Advisory Committee from 2006 until 2017. She is also a Legacy Leader with the Women’s Legacy Fund (as is Kathy Tompkins). She has always been a strong advocate for diversity issues. Suzanne is a retired Associate Director of Residential Life and Education through University Housing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and lives in Atascadero.
“We feel so fortunate to grow our Community Foundation family with these two wonderful women,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. “With Kathy and Suzanne’s voices on our board, we look forward to better serving the wide breadth of needs in SLO County and beyond.”
For more information about The Community Foundation, please visit cfsloco.org or call 805- 543-2323.
### About The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a grantmaking and education foundation supporting charitable work across our county. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has supported our county with grants and scholarships totaling almost $35 million. The Foundation’s charitable assets under management have grown to nearly $60 million and provide support to all aspects of our community in perpetuity. For more information or to donate to any fund or establish a new fund, visit www.cfsloco.org or call 805-543-2323.
Foundation Grants Awarded – Jan 2019
January 2, 2018
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County awards more than $200,000
Twenty-five local nonprofit organizations received grants supporting a wide range of services
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA—The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County recently awarded $222,500 in grants to 25 nonprofit organizations throughout San Luis Obispo County. These grants will be used to support various programs, covering a wide variety of social services addressing the needs of at-risk populations.
This year’s recipients exemplify leadership in programs focused on capacity building, homeless prevention and intervention services, and case management-based emergency assistance funds. The 5Cities Homeless Coalition, Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Foundation, Bike SLO County, Casa Solana, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey, Child Development Resource Center of the Central Coast, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County, Creston Activities Town Center Helping Hand, El Camino Homeless Organization, Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo County, Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast, Grover Beach Community Library, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, Piedras Blancas Light Station Association, RISE San Luis Obispo County, San Luis Obispo Master Chorale, Senior Volunteer Services, Inc., Shower the People, SLO Veterans Services Collaborative, Slow Money SLO, Stand Strong, The Salvation Army, The San Luis Obispo Child Development Center, Transitional Food and Shelter, and the Wilshire Community Services were all awarded grants.
“We are honored to provide the much-needed support for all these organizations. We look forward to working with each nonprofit to help support their clients and impact in the region.” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation.
Each year, The Community Foundation awards $2-3 million in grants and scholarships with more than 90 percent of grant funding remaining locally in San Luis Obispo County. Support from The Community Foundation continues to grow thanks to the hundreds of individuals, families, local businesses, companies, and private foundations that work with the foundation to advance philanthropy in our community.
For more information on The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County’s grants program, please visit www.cfsloco.org or contact Len Smolburd at 805-543-2323.
About The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is a grant making and education foundation supporting charitable work across our country. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has supported our county with grants and scholarships totaling more than $30 million. The Foundation’s charitable assets under management have grown to more than $60 million and provide support to all aspects of our community in perpetuity. For more information or to donate to any fund or establish a new fund, visit www.cfsloco.org or call 805-543-2323
Women of Distinction Awards Event March 2019
Join us on March 21 at Cuesta College to celebrate and recognize the contributions of our five honorees.
The purpose of the Women of Distinction awards is to celebrate Women’s History Month (March) and recognize the contributions women have
made in the areas of volunteering in the community, their profession and in philanthropy across San Luis Obispo County.
The event will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 4:00-6:00pm in Building 5400, Room 5401. Parking will be free in Lot #2. Tickets are $25 each and food, wine and coffee will be served. Tickets must be purchased online in advance at BrownPaperTickets.com
Spring Grant Cycle Opens
Nonprofits may submit proposals for a number of funding opportunities.
