The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County announced a major scaling of its Together for SLO County: Critical Response Fund, thanks to a $1.2 million investment from the County of San Luis Obispo. This public-private partnership will help nonprofits weather deep funding cuts while building long-term resilience across the region.
The Foundation launched Together for SLO County in September to address urgent funding gaps facing local nonprofits. In recognition of that leadership, the County Board of Supervisors has now stepped in with one-time transitional funding, providing both critical support and momentum to leverage additional philanthropy. The County’s original Community Based Organization grant funding will be administered through the Foundation to ensure equitable, transparent and responsive distributions.
“Together for SLO County began as a community-led response to shrinking nonprofit support,” said Christine Dawson, CEO of The Community San Luis Obispo County. “With the County’s $1.2 million investment, we have a tremendous opportunity to amplify our reach. The commitment gives us a foundation on which to raise more private dollars, so that nonprofits not only survive this moment, but build toward a sustainable future.”
In addition to the County’s lead gift, First 5 San Luis Obispo County has pledged $100,000, specifically earmarked to support early childhood, family support and related services. The organization’s early engagement is a valuable signal to other funders and helps strengthen the overall funding pool.
“In this incredibly challenging year, it is such a relief to see the partnership between San Luis Obispo County’s Board of Supervisors, First 5 San Luis Obispo County and The Community Foundation to provide critical one-time funding for programs that were slated to be cut,” said Jill Bolster-White, Executive Director of Transitions-Mental Health Association. “The bridge this funding creates will get many of our local nonprofits the help they need to serve our community’s most vulnerable members. We are excited to see where this synergy between philanthropy and local government might lead!”
The Together for SLO County Critical Response Fund will focus grant support on organizations providing essential services such as food security, childcare, mental health, healthcare access, workforce development and supportive services for vulnerable populations, especially foster youth, children with special needs, survivors of power-based violence, immigrant families, LQBTQIA+ community members and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
Grant recipients will receive not only short-term operating support, but also capacity-building assistance and sustainability planning, so that investments have enduring impact beyond this transitional period.
“This partnership beautifully demonstrates how government and philanthropy can join forces for real community impact,” said Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Chair of the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. “By providing these dollars through the Foundation, we ensure the money is allocated efficiently, fairly and aligned with local knowledge. We’re honored to play a lead role in this combined effort.”
Nonprofit organizations meeting eligibility requirements may apply beginning in October, with awards to be announced in December 2025. The Community Foundation invites additional funders and community members to contribute, further magnifying the impact of the County’s lead investment.
To learn more about Together for SLO County: A Critical Response Fund and its impact, visit cfsloco.org.