Special Funding

United Way of SLO County is fortunate to have the opportunity to provide funding to local nonprofit agencies in addition to annual Community Impact Fund grants. If you are interested in learning more about any of the following opportunities, please contact the United Way office.

Community Collaboration Grant – Though not always visible, there are many men, women and children living in SLO County whose basic needs are not being met. While it is important to provide immediate services such as food and shelter, we also understand the need for programs that address the underlying causes of our community’s most pressing needs. Think of this simple analogy: bailing water out of an overflowing bathtub has immediate and positive results; however if we do not make an effort to turn off the faucet and stop the flow of water, we will always be bailing ourselves out. Recognizing this need, United Way established a three-year, $75,000 Community Collaboration Grant to target the root causes of the county’s most significant problems. Designed to facilitate collaborative partnerships between nonprofits, government, individuals and other community groups, the first Community Collaboration Grant was awarded to the Beginnings Collaborative in October 2008 (www.beginningsofslo.org). Opportunities to apply for the award in the future will be announced as funding allows. For more information, please contact the United Way office.

Emergency Grants – United Way is able to accommodate emergency grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations on a limited basis. If your organization is in need of one-time emergency funding, please contact Rick London at (805) 541-1234 ext. 11 or rlondon@unitedwayslo.org.

Innovation Award –The United Way Innovation Award recognizes local nonprofit organizations for their outstanding work in the community. Though award criteria may vary each year, emphasis is generally placed on programs that are highly effective and innovative in nature, and that have been enhanced by functional collaborations with other nonprofits, businesses or government organizations. Click here to see a list of past recipients, or contact Charlene Rosales at (805) 541-1234 ext. 14 or crosales@unitedwayslo.org for more information. The 2011 Innovation Award process is closed and we would like to thank this year’s sponsors, Don Maruska & Co. and IQMS, for helping to provide a grant award in the amount of $5,000.

Youth Board Grants – Each spring, the United Way Youth Board allocates three $1,000 grant awards to local groups that have created projects that have a positive impact on youth (up to age 19), and incorporate the 40 Developmental Assets and other youth development principles. The group is required to be based within San Luis Obispo County and the project must be carried out within the county. Strong projects allow the youth group planning the project to gain knowledge and skills. It will primarily benefit youth in the community, not just the project planners, and should be both creative and realistic. Applications are peer reviewed by members of the Youth Board. This group of high school students seeks to increase philanthropy and leadership in San Luis Obispo County youth, and improve programs to better serve our community.

The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board has awarded three $1,000 grants to local youth projects and programs. The grants were awarded to:

Melinda Marchiano, for her Literacy and Advocacy Youth Challenge, inspiring peers through her book, “Grace: A Child’s Intimate journey Through Cancer and Recovery.”

Atascadero High School Robotics Team, to help design and build a robot to participate in FIRST Robotics competitions.

Chalk Mountain Garden Group, a gardening club from Successful Launch at Cuesta College, who have turned their service into work experience while generating income for youth involved.