field of interest funds – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

Dear Fiends,

As we eagerly welcome the arrival of spring, it brings with it a sense of renewal and anticipation for the vibrant days ahead. Just as nature blossoms with new life, we too find ourselves embarking on exciting developments at The Community Foundation.

In March, we devoted attention to Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable women in our community who fearlessly lead nonprofits. Their dedication is a testament to the transformative impact that women continue to make in shaping our community’s narrative.

On Employee Appreciation Day, we took a moment to express our gratitude to the incredible team at The Community Foundation for their outstanding efforts, especially in light of our recent recognition as recipients of the Blue Diamond “Change Makers” award by SLO County Family-Friendly Workplaces. Their unwavering commitment and passion contribute immensely to making this organization an exceptional place to work. We celebrate each member of our team for their invaluable contributions. Learn more about our staff.

We also carry heavy hearts as we reflect on the loss of one of our own. Dr. Brendan “Ben” McAdams, a philanthropist of SLO County whose dedication and generosity leaves a lasting mark on our community. Ben’s enduring legacy echoes far and wide, touching lives and igniting inspiration. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who join us in commemorating his memory.

Looking ahead, The Community Foundation’s annual events are just around the corner. We warmly encourage you to consider joining us as an essential participant in these initiatives. Your support ensures the success of these events and strengthens our collective impact.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission. Together, we look forward to a bright season of growth, appreciation, and community connection.

~Heidi McPherson, CEO Community Foundation San Luis Obispo

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A beloved community space is set to receive a big upgrade in 2023, thanks to a new partnership between Access for All and City Farm SLO. The accessibility-friendly Garden for All program will provide universally accessible gardening and therapeutic horticulture spaces for students with disabilities, and is made possible by a first-ever Access for All (AFA) Grant.

AFA is a field of interest fund of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County that focuses on equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Since 2006, thanks to the generosity of Beverly and Bryan Gingg who kickstarted the fund, AFA has been recognizing individuals who work to make SLO County a barrier-free community.

The impact of the AFA to date is due in large part to a Cal Poly Professor emeritus and local advocacy advocate Paul Wolff. Mr. Wolff, a founding member of Access for All, once asked an important question to the AFA committee: can we do more to help build a more inclusive community? The unanimous response was “yes!” With the support of founder Beverly Gingg, the AFA advisory committee set to work on establishing a grantmaking program for the Access for All Fund.

The committee compiled reports from several local, statewide, and national organizations to identify common themes affecting the Disability community. Based on data analysis and lived experiences, funding priorities were developed for the Access For All Fund. These priorities address current and emerging needs of people living with disabilities in San Luis Obispo County and encourage local organizations to create programs in support of these needs.

Access for All Fund decided to prioritize organizations in San Luis Obispo County with programs that:
• Focus on advancing access to health & wellness
• Expand capacity for housing & home access
• Create and support community participation / inclusion
• Promote accessible workspaces and grow employment opportunities

And so, after much deliberation, Access for All announced that the $5,000 award of their first grant would go to City Farm SLO for their ‘Garden For All’ program.

“Digging, planting, and harvesting are therapeutic, hands-on activities that stimulate the mind and encourage team-building and collaboration,” says Kayla Rutland Executive Director of City Farm SLO. “Thanks to this grant from Access for All, more students in our community will benefit from learning these critical life skills, and will feel empowered to pursue their dreams.”

The grant will be specifically used to create wheelchair-accessible pathways, raised beds at varying heights, shade structures, a mobile classroom, cooking cart, and sensory garden.

AFA is honored to support this program which supports community participation, inclusion and aligns with their mission to create an accessible community where people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of SLO County life.

To help build a more accessible SLO, donate to the Access for All fund HERE

To learn more about Access For All, contact program associate Alysia Krupsky HERE

Tag: field of interest funds

March E-Newsletter

First-time Grant will Support ‘Garden for All’ for Students with Disabilities