The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has launched Together for SLO County: A Critical Response Fund, a countywide campaign designed to safeguard essential nonprofit services threatened by steep and unexpected funding cuts.
Nonprofits across San Luis Obispo County are the frontline of care, providing food for families, shelter for those experiencing homelessness, counseling and mental health support, childcare for working parents and access to healthcare for vulnerable neighbors. Many of these organizations are now confronting reductions of nearly half their budgets, placing core community services at risk.
“Community collaboration is what makes long-term stability possible. Together for SLO County is not just about today’s needs—it’s about protecting vital services for tomorrow,” said Christine Dawson, Chief Executive Officer of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.
Donors are stepping forward to underscore the urgency. “Funding cuts to strong local charities threaten our neighbors most in need. This initiative leverages the Foundation’s expertise to help us care for one another and keep our community strong,” said Jarrod Kiyuna, Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy at Avila Ranch in San Luis Obispo, a corporate donor to the fund.
The campaign has set a goal of raising $1.2 million to provide rapid, flexible support to nonprofits most at risk. Thanks to a $500,000 community match now underway, donor contributions will have double the impact. In addition to cash gifts, the fund can accept complex assets such as appreciated stock, real estate through the Foundation’s Real Estate Foundation and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs, providing donors with multiple ways to make a meaningful difference.
To help nonprofits thrive well into the future, the fund will offer sustainability resources, training and practical tools such as financial planning, coaching, consultant support and peer learning to grantees from the Fund. Local organizations can check eligibility at cfsloco.org, with grants rolling out in fall 2025
Broad Impact Across the County
The reach of this fund extends to organizations serving:
- Families facing food insecurity and childcare needs
- Youth in foster care and young adults transitioning into adulthood
- Immigrant and mixed-status families
- People without stable housing
- Neighbors in need of healthcare or mental health services
- LGBTQIA+ community members
- Populations living in poverty
By protecting nonprofits in these areas, Together for SLO County touches virtually every corner of life in the region, ensuring that families, children and vulnerable neighbors continue to receive the support they cannot go without.
Learn More
To learn more about Together for SLO County: A Critical Response Fund and its impact, visit cfsloco.org.