SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA –  The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) is marking its 25th Anniversary with a remarkable act of generosity, as it donates $100,000 to support local programs and nonprofits. This significant contribution reflects CFSLOCO’s unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact in the community it serves. A portion of these funds will be distributed at the highly anticipated Summer Picnic on July 14th, and the entire community is invited to join the celebration.

At the turn of 2023, CFSLOCO rang in 25 years of making a difference across the county through philanthropic leadership. For decades, they have been connecting passionate community members to causes they care about. Thanks to continued contributions from SLO County supporters, they have reinvested $66 million back into the community via grants and scholarships. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, CFSLOCO held its first regional event in May, where five organizations were awarded a total of $25,000. The Boys and Girls Club of the Mid-Central Coast, Lumina Alliance, Promotores Collaborative, The Link, and Paso Robles Youth Arts Center each received a $5,000 grant. 

The remaining $75,000 of this community gift will be distributed among 15 additional nonprofits, which will be announced at the upcoming regional events. The Summer Picnic on July 14 is the largest and most anticipated celebration. Open to the public, this special occasion in San Luis Obispo will serve as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the invaluable contributions of donors, volunteers, and nonprofits. The event will showcase the positive impact achieved through their collective efforts.

“This $100,000 gift exemplifies our commitment to nurturing this community, and is a testament to the profound impact that collaboration and collective action can have,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of CFSLOCO. “Together, we continue to forge a path towards a stronger and more vibrant San Luis Obispo County, where everyone has the opportunity to flourish and thrive.”

The Summer Picnic promises to be a memorable event, and serves as a poignant moment to express gratitude to the extraordinary individuals, organizations, and volunteers who have selflessly contributed their time, talent, and financial support to enhance the well-being of our community. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing this remarkable celebration of community spirit.

EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: 25th Anniversary Summer Picnic
WHEN: July 14, 2023
WHERE: Cuesta Canyon County Park, 2400 Loomis St, San Luis Obispo
EVENT SCHEDULE:
3pm BBQ, Drinks & Music
4pm Program & Performances
This is a 21 and over event, alcohol will be served.

To confirm media attendance or for inquiries about the event, kindly contact Leila Dufurrena at leila@cfsloco.org.

Awards made possible by funds held at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. — The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County is proud to announce the distribution of over $400,000 in scholarships to 71 high school and college students for the 2023-2024 school year. A host of volunteer community members diligently reviewed applications and selected deserving recipients who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to creating positive change within their communities, making the program a true community effort.  

Scholarships are generously funded by valued donors to the Foundation, and provide not only financial assistance but also invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship for the students. Earlier this year, nine exceptional students were honored with scholarships through The Richard J. Weyhrich Leadership Award, bringing the total amount of scholarship awards for 2023 to a remarkable $408,000. This marks a significant increase in financial support compared to the previous year, demonstrating the community’s commitment to empowering the educational aspirations of local students.

Among the recipients is Olivia Wright, who expressed her gratitude for the Weyhrich Leadership Award, stating, “I had the chance to share my passions, values, and commitment to creating positive change. It was only during this interview that I truly understood the significance of the Weyhrich Leadership Award. Not only was it a financial opportunity, but it also provided a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and mentors who would shape my journey.”

When asked about what a scholarship means to her, Morro Bay High School Graduate Wafa Bhatti shared: “It means that the changes I want to make in my life and the world around me are that much more feasible. Growing up in a first-generation household, college has always been emphasized as a foundation for success and, more than that, a way to solidify our family’s roots here in America. With this scholarship, I can make good on my parents’ sacrifices while also branching beyond the foundation they’ve laid.” Wafa will be attending UC Irvine in the fall.

For over two decades, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County’s Scholarship Program has been instrumental in fostering educational access for students from diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits. This year’s scholarships reflect the wide range of interests and career paths pursued by San Luis Obispo County students, encompassing fields such as nursing, agriculture, technology, and beyond.

Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation shared, “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are immensely grateful for the donors who make these scholarships possible, enabling us to reward students from various backgrounds and empower them to pursue higher education. Their support has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless students throughout our community.”

The scholarships provided by The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County support various education-related expenses, including tuition, textbooks, room and board fees, and other qualified educational needs. Unlike loans, these scholarships do not require repayment and are not considered taxable income.

Students from all academic disciplines and backgrounds are considered for scholarships, with criteria that ranges from supporting financially disadvantaged students aspiring to attend a 4-year university, first-generation college students whose parents work in vineyards or farms, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and women pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

For further information about scholarship and grant opportunities, please contact Cassandra Kartashov, Director of Grants & Programs, at cassandra@cfsloco.org. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County remains committed to empowering students and fostering educational excellence in our community.

View the full list of 2023 Scholarship Recipients HERE. 

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County (CFSLOCO) has announced the latest recipients of the Women’s Legacy Fund and Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund grants, awarding a total of over $120,000 to dozens of local nonprofits.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, these grants will empower organizations dedicated to supporting women’s initiatives, youth development, and sports programs to achieve their goals and make a real difference in the lives of those they serve.

Established by the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Board of Directors in 2003, the Women’s Legacy Fund is the only endowment in the County that targets the needs of women and girls. Grants from the fund support organizations that assist women and girls to strengthen their physical, emotional, intellectual, and financial well-being. Each year, the Women’s Legacy Fund Advisory Committee identifies a focus for grant-making in the areas of economic independence, basic needs, safety, reproductive health, education, and mental health.

Women’s Legacy Fund: $65,000

These awards come just in time to celebrate National Women’s Health Week, and will have a significant impact in supporting access to childcare for single mother low-income families, the health and well-being of teenage girls, and increased access to services.

The Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund provides grants to local nonprofit organizations providing youth enrichment programs and/or youth sports programs in the City of SLO and adjacent areas within San Luis Obispo County. The fund seeks to support programs that enrich the lives of local youth and reflect the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets. Robert Janssen was a lifelong resident of SLO County who devoted a considerable amount of time to local youth sports and other community and youth activities.

“Robert Janssen was a special soul who devoted a great deal of his life to a special cause — our youth,” said Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation. “We look forward to honoring Bob’s legacy by continuing to support and enrich youth activities across the county.”

The following nonprofits have been awarded grants from the Robert Janssen Youth and Youth Sports Fund:

Robert H. Janssen Youth & Youth Sports Fund: $60,960

More grant opportunities for 2023 will become available through their General Grants Program, slated to commence on June 1st. As part of their ongoing outreach efforts, CFSLOCO will be conducting an informative Grant Session via Zoom on Thursday, June 8th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Interested parties are kindly invited to click here to register and secure a spot for this session.

To see the detailed award breakdown thus far and to explore future grant opportunities, please visit https://cfsloco.tmdcreative.site/nonprofits-2/grantees/ or contact Cassandra Kartashov.
Email: cassandra@cfsloco.org
Phone: (805) 543-2323

A condensed version of this announcement was shared on KEYT, to view the original release, head to keyt.com.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has earmarked $300,000 in grants to help build out downtown SLO’s Cultural Arts District adjacent to Mission Plaza, focusing the bulk of the money on the construction of a new theater and art museum.

The grants will be made from the Ken and Martha Schwartz Fund, a donor advised fund held by the Community Foundation. The grants are to be used to help build a new venue for SLO Repertory Theatre  (SLO REP) and a new building for SLO Museum of Art (SLOMA), officials for the three organizations announced today.

The Schwartz Fund advisors recommended the distribution as an appropriate tribute to Ken and Martha Schwartz, noting that Ken Schwartz, a legendary Cal Poly professor in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design who also served as SLO city mayor 1969-79, spearheaded the creation of Mission Plaza and envisioned a future buildout of a cultural arts district adjacent to the Mission along a portion of Monterey Street. A rendering of the planned SLO Repertory Theatre addition by architect Bryce Engstrom is below.

The Schwartz Fund advisors – architect Charles Crotser, former SLO City Manager John Dunn and graphic designer Pierre Rademaker – were long-time friends of Ken and Martha Schwartz. Inspired by Ken and Martha’s vision and dedication, they established the fund in 2005 shortly after Martha’s death to honor her activism on behalf of beautifying the city, as well as to honor Ken’s vision for the creation of Mission Plaza and his desire to see the establishment of a thriving cultural arts district. The bulk of the fund comes from a gift from the Schwartz estate given after Ken Schwartz’s death in 2019.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Draws High Praise  from Elected Officials

Local Leaders Acknowledge Foundation’s 25 Years of Service

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, which has recently garnered notable attention from local officials and policy makers. At a recent meeting of the County Board of Supervisors, several county supervisors paid tribute to the Foundation’s work as a catalyst for local philanthropy, and U.S. Congressman Jimmy Panetta expressed his appreciation for CFSLOCO’s decades-long commitment to the greater San Luis Obispo community.

County Supervisors Arnold, Gibson, Paulding, and Peschong all expressed their gratitude for the Foundation’s impact in the community, highlighting its efforts to support and empower local nonprofits and address critical issues facing the region.

“We are proud to have The Community Foundation as a partner in our work to build a stronger, more resilient community,” said County Supervisor John Peshong. “Their dedication to fostering philanthropy and driving positive change in San Luis Obispo County is truly inspiring.”

Congressman Panetta visited The Community Foundation’s office to personally recognize the organization’s contributions to the community. He praised the Foundation’s commitment to creating opportunities for all residents to thrive and emphasized the importance of philanthropy in building more equitable communities.

“For the last 25 years, The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has worked to empower and enhance our communities through philanthropy and service,” said Rep. Panetta. “Their vital work provides support and advances opportunities for the most vulnerable in San Luis Obispo County in their times of need. The people of San Luis Obispo County are grateful for the work of their Community Foundation, and I look forward to supporting them so that they can continue to serve and enhance our community.” 

The expressions of gratitude from local officials and policymakers highlight the important role The Community Foundation has played in promoting philanthropy and community service for the past 25 years. Heidi McPherson has been leading as CEO since 2014 and has established it as a regional leader in philanthropy. “The Community Foundation is honored to receive this recognition from such esteemed leaders in our community,” says McPherson. “We remain committed to creating a just and equitable community that respects and provides support for all our residents, enabling them to thrive here.”

For more information visit https://cfsloco.tmdcreative.site/about-us/celebrating-25-years/

Funds to Support Those Affected by Floods Across the Region

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has recently activated its Disaster Support Fund in response to California’s storms, floods, and associated damages. As a result, two local organizations, Los Osos Cares and The Link Family Resource Center, will receive a total of $6,000 to support flood victims in various communities.

Los Osos Cares plays a critical role in the community, offering financial aid to those who urgently need it following a disaster, especially those who don’t meet the government’s assistance criteria. Their efforts have been focused on assisting Spanish-speaking residents, ensuring they can access the financial support they require through FEMA since the recent storms. 

The Link Family Resource Center provides families with access to food, housing, clothing, healthcare, and parent education. They are currently providing emergency financial assistance to families, including farm workers, who are experiencing a loss of wages due to the recent disasters.

“We extend our sincerest appreciation to all those who have contributed to the Disaster Support Fund, including businesses and members of the community,” says Heidi McPherson, CEO of The Community Foundation. “Together, we have raised essential funds to provide vital aid to individuals affected by the recent disasters. Your generous support will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by these events.”

For more information on how to donate to the Disaster Support Fund or to learn more about the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, click HERE. 

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County, celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2023, is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created by and for the people of San Luis Obispo County to provide local charitable giving. Since 1998, The Community Foundation has awarded more than $66 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit partners and local students. The Foundation’s charitable assets under management have grown to $77 million to provide support to all areas of our community in perpetuity.  Learn more at https://cfsloco.tmdcreative.site/.

Donations Needed to Support Communities Affected by Natural Disasters

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County has activated their Disaster Support Fund to continue accepting donations in response to California’s storms, floods, and associated damages. Funds are needed in order to support communities significantly impacted by the storms and will be used to deploy resources where they are most needed.

All contributions to the Disaster Support Fund go directly to agencies working to assist people in need, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those impacted by the recent disasters. Everyone is encouraged to donate to the Fund (HERE) and be part of the community efforts to support those in need.