Current Grant Opportunities
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Link to Grant Application Portal: Click Here
2026 Grant Timeline
Applications Closed
- One Community Fund: Fueling a Vibrant Immigrant Future
- Women’s Legacy Fund
- Robert H. Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund
- GSA/LGBTQ+ Student Club Grant
Applications Open June 1 – June 22
- General Community Grants Program (Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities)
- Senior Dance
- BUILD (Building Unity, Infrastructure, Leadership, and Development)
- Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund
Application Open September 1 – September 30
- GSA/LGBTQ+ Student Club Grant
General Community Grants Program (Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Human Services, Seniors and People with Disabilities) – Opens June 1
Timeline
- Open: June 1, 2026
- Close: June 29, 2026
- Determined: September 2, 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Michelle Fries, Director of Grants and Programs
- michelle@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling- Click Here
Funding Opportunity and Award Range: Flexible general operating, single year and 2-year, grants may be awarded. Grants may be up to $20,000 for single year grants, and up to $40,000 for 2-year grants. $140,000 is available to award in each of the four priority areas: Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Human Services, Seniors & People with Disabilities.
Program Overview
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. The priority areas have been determined based on community need and donor designations.
- Arts & Culture
- promotes cultural expression and bridges cultural divides
- enhances youth participation and appreciation in performing arts
- increases audience diversification
- uplifts community well-being through arts
- Environment
- promotes preservation of land, natural resources, and green spaces
- supports community education, appreciation, and awareness of local environmental issues
- Health & Human Services
- addresses root causes of health disparities
- promotes mental and physical health and well-being of our SLO County communities
- alleviates housing and food insecurity
- Seniors & People with Disabilities
- supports resources for independent living for seniors and people with disabilities
- enhances social and emotional support for seniors and people with disabilities
- improves access to food and basic needs for seniors and people with disabilities
Eligibility
- In good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1), or able to provide a current contract outlining a fiscal sponsorship relationship with a 501(c)(3)
- In good standing with the California State Attorney General’s office
- Mission focused work is delivered in San Luis Obispo County, and is verifiable
Please note that organizations who were awarded a 2 year General Grants Program award last year are ineligible this year, since the grant term is not yet complete.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria
- Alignment with Funding Priorities: How well does the work of the organization align with the bullets under these priorities: Arts & Culture, Environment, Health & Human Services, Seniors & People with Disabilities.
- Centering Voices and Perspectives of Communities Served: How does your organization invite and engage involvement of the populations you serve? How is that voice incorporated into your organizational strategy and programming?
- Community Access and Impact: How your organization identifies barriers to accessing available services and resources. If you have direct access to the community and are a trusted source that is eliminating barriers, tell us about how you do that. If you parter with other trusted organizations in order to reduce barriers, tell us who you partner with and how that reduces barriers. End, tell us what is the resulting community impact of these actions? (How does what you’ve described actually reduce barriers and increase access to services?)
- Utilizing Substantiated Data: What is the trustworthy data your org collects and uses to inform your work? (This can be information directly from community members and/or other more formal data sources, or a combination of the two.) How that data is integrated into your organization’s work?
- Community Impact: How do you know if your organization is making progress toward its vision? How do you measure impact? What is a story of impact your organization is proud of?
- Collaboration and Partnership: How are you working with others? What is the nature of those relationships? How do those relationships complement rather than duplicate the reach and impact of your organization?
- Adaptability / Thriving in Adversity: How is your organization is adapting to challenges and unanticipated curveballs to remain sustainable over the long-term?
Applicant Support
Link to Grant Orientation Video – General Community Grant Program
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
Senior Dances Grant Program – Opens June 1
A funding opportunity is available for organizations that provide live music dancing experiences for seniors.
Timeline
- Open: June 1, 2026
- Close: June 29, 2026
- Determined: September 2, 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Michelle Fries, Director of Grants and Programs
- michelle@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling- Click Here
Funding Opportunity and Award Range
Single year project specific grants will be awarded. Award amounts will range between $5,000 to $10,000. A total of $50,000 is available to award.
Program Overview
Senior dances support both personal and community wellbeing by creating meaningful opportunities for social connection, physical activity, and joyful engagement. For many older adults, these gatherings help reduce social isolation, strengthen relationships, encourage movement, and contribute to improved emotional and mental health. Beyond individual benefits, they foster community belonging, connection, and intergenerational vibrancy. Grant funds may be used to support live musicians and performers as part of senior dance programming.
This program aligns strongly with the CFSLOCO’s general grantmaking priorities by promoting health and wellbeing, expanding access to meaningful community engagement opportunities for older adults, and strengthening the social connections that contribute to resilient, connected communities.
Eligibility
- In good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1), or able to provide a current contract outlining a fiscal sponsorship relationship with a 501(c)(3)
- In good standing with the California State Attorney General’s office
- Organizations that provide senior dancing opportunities with live music in California, with a priority for San Luis Obispo County
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria
- Program Reach
- How many seniors do you expect will participate? What is the geographical reach of those that participate? What are your outreach and communication strategies?
- Community Benefit and Wellbeing Impact
- `How does your programming promote social connection, emotional wellbeing, physical activity, and quality of life for older adults?
- Accessibility
- How accessible is your programming for seniors who may face barriers to participation? (affordability, transportation, ADA accessibility, language accessibility)
- Partnership and Collaboration
- Do you partner with other entities for your senior dance programming?
Applicant Support
Link to Grant Orientation Video – Senior Dances Grant Program
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
BUILD Mini Grant Program – Opens June 1
Timeline
- Open: June 1, 2026
- Close: June 29, 2026
- Determined: September 2, 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Michelle Fries, Director of Grants and Programs
- michelle@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling- Click Here
Funding Opportunity and Award Range
Single year grants in the range of $5,000–$10,000 will be awarded. At least $60,000 total will be awarded. Awarded funds must be used over a defined period (e.g., 6–12 months) .
Program Overview
The BUILD Mini Grant Program will provide flexible, low-barrier funding to support leadership development, organizational wellbeing, and internal capacity for nonprofit organizations serving San Luis Obispo County. Grants are intended to be practical, timely, and responsive to current organizational needs.
Examples of Eligible Uses: Funding is intentionally flexible and may support activities such as:
- Staff wellbeing and retention
- Wellness stipends
- Team building initiatives
- Leadership development
- Executive coaching
- Professional development or training
- Peer learning cohorts
- Organizational alignment and planning
- Staff or board retreats
- Strategic or scenario planning sessions
- Board development and governance support
- Skill building opportunities
- Conference attendance
- Learning workshops
These examples are illustrative rather than exhaustive; applicants will be expected to define what support is most timely and relevant for them.
Eligibility
- In good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1), or able to provide a current contract outlining a fiscal sponsorship relationship with a 501(c)(3)
- Organization is in good standing with the California State Attorney General’s office
- For the purposes of this program, small and mid-sized organizations will be prioritized; defined as those with annual operating budgets under $5 million
- Mission focused work is delivered in San Luis Obispo County, and is verifiable
Please note that being a grantee in another CFSLOCO grant program does not disqualify you from this opportunity.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria
- Strengthening Organizational Capacity and Community Impact:
- How will the proposed use of funds strengthen the organization’s ability to serve its community now and into the future?
- Alignment with Organizational Needs and Priorities:
- Does the applicant clearly explain its challenges and how the requested dollars will address those challenges? Is the organization able to connect its request to an organizational strategic or sustainability plan?
- Leadership, Wellbeing, and Organizational Effectiveness:
- How will the requested dollars contribute to leadership development, staff wellbeing, organizational alignment, or overall effectiveness of the organization?
- Equity and Community-Centered Approach:
- How does the organization center the voices and experiences of the populations it serves? And how will strengthening the organization improve access and outcomes for those populations?
- Appropriate Use of Funds:
- Does the organization share a thoughtful plan for the use of grant dollars? Are activities clear? Are costs reasonable? Is there alignment between proposed activities and intended outcomes?
Applicant Support
Link to Grant Orientation Video – BUILD Mini Grant Program
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund Grant – Opens June 1
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund provides financial support to organizations that advance the safety, wellbeing, and visibility of LGBTQ+ people in San Luis Obispo County.
Timeline
- Open: June 1, 2026
- Close: June 29, 2026
- Determined: September 7, 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Alysia Krupsky, Program Coordinator
- alysia@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling- Click Here
Funding Opportunity and Award Range
During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, the Community Foundation anticipates awarding more than $30,000 in grants. Grant requests may be up to $10,000 for one-year programs or projects. All complete and eligible proposals will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions by September 7.
Program Overview
Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in San Luis Obispo County.
During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, funding will focus on one-year programs and initiatives that align with one or more of the following priority areas:
Access to Affirming Care
- Expanding access to culturally responsive medical and behavioral healthcare for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Strengthening provider competency in gender-affirming care through training, policy development, and systems improvement
- Reducing barriers to care through navigation, referral, and coordination support
- Improving access to affirming services in rural or geographically isolated areas of the county
Community Connection and Joy
- Creating welcoming opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to gather, connect, and experience belonging
- Supporting low-barrier community spaces, programs, events, and digital connection opportunities
- Increasing accessibility and cultural responsiveness for LGBTQ+ individuals across race, disability, language, culture, and geography
- Supporting staffing, outreach, and coordination needed to sustain community-building efforts
Youth Safety and Support
- Strengthening safe and affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth in schools and youth-serving organizations
- Expanding trauma-informed and culturally responsive mental health supports
- Supporting flexible and confidential opportunities for youth connection, including digital and hybrid models
- Promoting youth leadership and participation in ways that prioritize safety, dignity, and informed consent
Eligibility
- In good standing with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1), or able to provide a current contract outlining a fiscal sponsorship relationship with a 501(c)(3)
- Organization is in good standing with the California State Attorney General’s office
- Organization’s programs or services must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents
- Proposed program or project must align with one or more of the Fund’s 2026 funding priorities
Criteria
The Community Foundation will fund Growing Together grant applications based on the following criteria:
Program Impact and Reach
- What measurable impact will the proposed program have on LGBTQ+ people and families in San Luis Obispo County? Please describe the population served and anticipated outcomes.
Alignment with Funding Priorities
- How well are the proposed program activities and outcomes aligned with one or more of the Growing Together funding priorities: Access to Affirming Care, Community Connection and Joy, and Youth Safety and Support?
Alignment with Funding Priorities
- How well does the proposed program align with one or more of the Growing Together funding priorities: Access to Affirming Care, Community Connection and Joy, and Youth Safety and Support?
Community Need and Impact
- How does the proposed program respond to current needs facing LGBTQ+ individuals in San Luis Obispo County? Please share examples of anticipated or demonstrated community impact.
Access and Inclusion
- How does your organization reduce barriers to participation and create welcoming, culturally responsive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those facing additional barriers related to race, disability, language, culture, geography, or age?
Community Voice and Leadership
- How does your organization incorporate feedback, lived experience, or leadership from LGBTQ+ community members into program design, implementation, or decision-making?
Applicant Support
Link to Grant Orientation Video – Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund Grant Program
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
One Community Fund: Fueling a Vibrant Immigrant Future – Closed
Timeline
- Open: Friday, March 6, 2026 – 9am
- Close: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 5pm
- Award Notification: early June 2026
- Payments Processed: early June 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Chelsea Ruiz, One Community Program Manager, chelsea@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling- Bookings with me – – Outlook
- Office hours: Fri, March 6 – Fri, March 20 and Mar. 30 – Apr. 1.
Program Overview
Funding Opportunity and Award Range: Flexible, general operating funds to support immigrant-serving organizations working in San Luis Obispo County who are resiliently facing unprecedented need combined with increasingly scarce and diminished funding opportunities. Up to $100,000 will be awarded with minimum grant awards of $10,000.
Eligibility:
-
- Immigrant-serving 501c3s or fiscally sponsored organizations working in SLO County
- Organizations must demonstrate alignment with our values and commitment to serving our targeted communities for support.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria:
-
- Centering Voices and Perspectives of Communities Served: How your organization engages with the people your organization serves to solicit and incorporate feedback in your work (i.e., hiring staff with lived experience, board members and volunteers with lived experience, etc.)
- Community Access and Impact: How your organization identifies barriers to accessing available services and resources. If you have direct access to the community and are a trusted source that is eliminating barriers, tell us about how you do that. If you parter with other trusted organizations in order to reduce barriers, tell us who you partner with and how that reduces barriers. End, tell us what is the resulting community impact of these actions? (How does what you’ve described actually reduce barriers and increase access to services?)
- Partnerships: How does your organization coordinate and collaborate with other nonprofits and important community partners?
- Adaptability / Thriving in Adversity: Org’s current financial situation, challenges facing, and how your organization is adapting to remain sustainable over the long-term. (Creative solutions for fixed or variable costs such as staffing, new partnerships, expansion of volunteers, additional fundraising efforts, etc.)
- Using Substantiated Data: Describe the trustworthy data your org collects and uses to inform your work. This can be information directly from community members and/or other quantitative data sources or a combination of the two. Explain how that data is integrated into your organization’s work.
Link to Grant Overview Video – General Community Grants Program Overview
Link to Grant Application – Click Here
Women’s Legacy Fund – Closed
Women’s Legacy Fund’s mission is to be a catalyst for philanthropy that improves the lives of women and girls in San Luis Obispo County.
Timeline
- Open: Friday, March 6, 2026 – 9am
- Close: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 5pm
- Award Notification: early June 2026
- Payments Processed: early June 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Alysia Kruspky, alysia@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling: Bookings with me – Alysia Krupsky – Outlook
Program Overview
The Women’s Legacy Fund awards grants for nonprofit programs that advance the well-being of women and girls in San Luis Obispo County. In 2026, the funding priorities include:
- Affordable Housing
- Building or expanding capacity to tackle the challenges of housing affordability
- Decreasing the number of women and girls experiencing homelessness
- Narrowing the gender pay gap as it relates to the cost of living
- Childcare
- Increasing and stabilizing the childcare workforce
- Advocating for local childcare policy
- Expanding affordable options for quality childcare
- Health Care
- Improving access to healthcare
- Reducing barriers to care for non-English speaking residents
- Lowering the number of girls experiencing emotional distress and suicidal ideation
- Economic Security
- Increasing access to short-term crisis support and basic needs during financial hardship
- Supporting workforce entry, reentry, advancement, and wage growth opportunities
- Building long-term economic mobility through financial literacy and postsecondary education
Funding Opportunity and Award Range: During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, the Community Foundation anticipates awarding approximately 3-6 organizations up to $125,000. Grants may be up to $20,000 for one-year programs, and up to $40,000 for two-year programs. Two-year proposals are intended for efforts that require extended timelines such as planning and hiring in year one, followed by implementation in year two. All complete and eligible proposals will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions by June 15th.
Eligibility:
-
- 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.
- Organization’s programs or services must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents.
- Organization must provide services to women and girls.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria: The Community Foundation will fund applications based on the following criteria
-
- Centering Voices and Perspectives of Communities Served: How does your organization collect feedback from women and girls, and how is that information incorporated into your programs, policies, or day-to-day work
- Community Access and Impact: How does your organization identify the barriers faced by women and girls, and in what ways are you working to reduce those barriers to expand access to opportunities in San Luis Obispo County? Please share examples of impact.
- Utilizing Substantiated Data: Please describe the relevant data, research, or community-informed sources that guide your work, including the What Do Women Need? report. Include examples of how this information is used to inform program design, decision making, or evaluation.
- Alignment with Funding Priorities: How well does the proposed program align with the Women’s Legacy Fund focus areas: Affordable housing, Childcare, Healthcare (including mental health), and Economic security.
Link to Grant Orientation Video – Women’ Legacy Fund Grant Orientation .mp4
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Grant: Closed
Timeline
- Open: Friday, March 6, 2026 – 9am
- Close: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 5pm
- Award Notification: early June 2026
- Payments Processed: early June 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Alysia Kruspky, alysia@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling: Bookings with me – Alysia Krupsky – Outlook
Program Overview
The Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund supports programs that enrich the lives of youth (ages 6-18) in San Luis Obispo County through active participation in youth activities and sports.
Grants are available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide youth activities or youth sports programs, with an emphasis on hands-on participation. Funded programs should expand access and create opportunities for youth from all segments of the county, regardless of income.
These grants will fund direct program costs, including program personnel, equipment, materials and supplies, facility fees, training, evaluation, and other expenses that directly support program delivery. Community-based programs are given priority over membership-based programs
Funding Opportunity and Award Range: During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, the Community Foundation anticipates awarding up to 12 organizations a maximum grant award of $10,000. All complete and eligible proposals will be reviewed and all applying agencies will be notified of a funding decision by June 15th.
Eligibilty:
-
- 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.
- Organization’s programs or services must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents.
- Organization must provide services to youth ages 6-18 years old
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria:
-
- Program purpose
- What need or gap does your program address for youth in the community? Why is this program important, what difference does it make for young people to have this program?
- Youth & decision making
- How do you understand the needs of the young people you serve? How does youth input or feedback shape your activities?
- Use of experience and information
- What experience, feedback, or information helps ensure that your program is run well and reflects current best practices?
- Access & barrier reduction
- How does the organization identify barriers to participation (such as physical, intellectual, cultural, or financial barriers) and what steps are taken to reduce or remove them?
- Positive youth development
- How does your program intentionally support positive youth development? Please reference the Search Institute’s 40 developmental Assets and identify two assets your program fosters: one internal asset and one external asset. For each asset:
- Name the asset
- Describe what program activities support the development of that asset.
- How does your program intentionally support positive youth development? Please reference the Search Institute’s 40 developmental Assets and identify two assets your program fosters: one internal asset and one external asset. For each asset:
- Program purpose
Link to Grant Orientation Video –Janssen Grant Orientation.mp4
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
GSA/LGBTQ+ Student Club Grant
Timeline
- Open: Friday, March 6, 2026 – 9am
- Close: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 5pm
- Award Notification: early June 2026
- Payments Processed: early June 2026
Contact
- Who to contact: Alysia Kruspky, alysia@cfsloco.org
- Link for office hour scheduling: Bookings with me – Alysia Krupsky – Outlook
Program Overview
During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, funding will focus on student-led projects that strengthen belonging, student well-being and advocacy for LGBTQ+ students in San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County. Projects may fall within the following categories:
On-Campus Advocacy & Education
- Engaging fellow students through educational events, guest speakers, film screenings, or facilitated conversations that promote understanding and inclusion.
- Increasing awareness and visibility through outreach materials such as buttons, stickers, or t-shirts.
- Creating activities that foster inclusive school climates.
Off-Campus Community Connection
- Supporting youth speakers or student participation in community meetings or events.
- Participating in Central Coast Pride or other community-based initiatives.
- Organizing community service activities that elevate LGBTQ+ youth voice.
Club Support & Student Well-Being
- Supporting leadership development or training for club members.
- Supporting activities that promote student wellness, peer support, and stress reduction for LGBTQ+ students.
- Providing supplies, materials, food, or transportation that enable club activities.
- Example activities may include: hosting peer support or discussion circles, organizing art or creative expression nights, providing snacks during club meetings, inviting a facilitator to lead a stress-management or mindfulness workshop, or gatherings that encourage connection and fun for LGBTQ+ students.
Funding Opportunity and Award Range: This grant is funded through Growing Together: An LGBTQ+ Fund to support student clubs in San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County that advance LGBTQ+ student activities, advocacy, well-being, and belonging. Small grants of $500 to $1,000 to support school-based Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and other LGBTQ+ student clubs will be awarded. We anticipate awarding multiple grants. All complete and eligible proposals will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of funding decisions by June 15, 2026. Funded activities must take place during the current or upcoming academic year (2026 to 2027). Applicants are required to submit a school staff or club advisor letter of support.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a public middle school, high school, or public college/university (as a governmental entity), or have a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1), or operate under a fiscal sponsorship agreement.
- Applicant must be a school-approved Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA) or LGBTQ+ serving student club.
- Club must be based at a school located in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County, including Cal Poly, Cuesta College, or Allan Hancock College.
- Funded projects must occur during the current or upcoming academic year.
- Application must include both a student club contact and a school staff advisor.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria:
- Quality and Feasibility: Is the proposed activity clearly described and thoughtfully planned? Is the timeline realistic within the academic year? Is the budget reasonable and appropriate for the scope of the project?
- Student Leadership and Voice: How are students meaningfully involved in shaping, planning, and implementing the proposed activity?
- Inclusion and Belonging: How does the proposed activity promote belonging, safety, and visibility for LGBTQ+ students? In what ways does the activity reflect inclusive practices and consider the diversity of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community?
Link to Grant Application: Click Here
Online Application Instructions
Instructions and links to access our new grant application program will be posted here.
Contact the Grants & Programs Department at grants@cfsloco.org if you have any questions about eligibility, program fit, or the grantmaking program.
For questions related to the Community Grant Program Applications, contact Michelle Fries, michelle@cfsloco.org.
For questions related to the Field of Interest Grant Program, contact Alysia Krupsky, alysia@cfsloco.org.
For technical questions about the application or the portal, contact Emily Narveson, emilyn@cfsloco.org.
