Apply for Funds

Community Impact Fund Grants

Grants are available to programs of qualifying nonprofit agencies located in and serving residents of San Luis Obispo County through United Way’s Community Impact Fund. Through our focus on education, income and health we strive to provide funding not only for ‘safety net’ programs, but also for those that address the underlying causes of our community’s most pressing needs. The application process takes place annually, generally February through March.

Funding decisions are made through a rigorous community volunteer process based on specific criteria that ensures accountability and capacity for delivery, and encourages community problem-solving innovation. Lists of past grant awards, as well as current application guidelines and materials (if applicable), can be downloaded below. For questions or to volunteer as a community member on one of our grant review panels, please contact Kara Edwall at (805) 541-1234 ext. 16 or kedwall@unitedwayslo.org.

• Agency Experiences with Outcome Measurement
• CIF Application 2009-2010
• CIF Application Guidelines
• CIF Application Submission Policy
• Excerpts from Measuring Program Outcomes
• Logic Model Worksheet
• Sample Evaluation Sheet
• Sample Financials

Past Awards

• 2008-09 Community Inpact Fund Grant Awards
• 2007-08 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• 2006-07 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• 2005-06 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• 2004-05 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• 2003-04 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• 2002-03 Community Impact Fund Grant Awards
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability

Innovation Award

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Innovation Award recognizes a local not-for-profit organization for inventive approaches and programs that provide value to the SLO County community in the areas of education, income and health. The award is given to a program that demonstrates lasting change, practical collaboration and internal transformation. Founded by Mr. Don Maruska in 2004 and supported over the years by other individuals and corporate sponsors, the award encourages nonprofit agencies to be creative, imaginative and resourceful in their program development and delivery. Additional information and criteria will be posted as it becomes available for the next award.

Click here for a list of past award recipients. Click here to download the Innovation Award Criteria and the Innovation Award Nomination Form. For more information please contact Charlene Rosales at (805) 541-1234 ext. 14 or crosales@unitedwayslo.org.