The Women’s Legacy Fund awards grants for nonprofit programs that advance the well-being of women and girls in San Luis Obispo County.
Donor Name: The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County
State: California
County: San Luis Obispo County (CA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
Women’s Legacy Fund’s mission is to be a catalyst for philanthropy that improves the lives of women and girls in San Luis Obispo County.
In 2026, the funding priorities include:
- Affordable Housing
- Building or expanding capacity to tackle the challenges of housing affordability
- Decreasing the number of women and girls experiencing homelessness
- Narrowing the gender pay gap as it relates to the cost of living
- Childcare
- Increasing and stabilizing the childcare workforce
- Advocating for local childcare policy
- Expanding affordable options for quality childcare
- Health Care
- Improving access to healthcare
- Reducing barriers to care for non-English speaking residents
- Lowering the number of girls experiencing emotional distress and suicidal ideation
- Economic Security
Funding Information
During the 2026 grantmaking cycle, the Community Foundation anticipates awarding approximately 3-6 organizations up to $125,000. Grants may be up to $20,000 for one-year programs, and up to $40,000 for two-year programs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Organization must have a current tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) and/or 509(a)(1) or a current memorandum of understanding outlining fiscal sponsorship partnership to apply.
- Organization’s programs or services must primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents.
- Organization must provide services to women and girls.
Funding Decisions will be based on these Grantmaking Criteria:
The Community Foundation will fund applications based on the following criteria
- Centering Voices and Perspectives of Communities Served: How does your organization collect feedback from women and girls, and how is that information incorporated into your programs, policies, or day-to-day work
- Community Access and Impact: How does your organization identify the barriers faced by women and girls, and in what ways are you working to reduce those barriers to expand access to opportunities in San Luis Obispo County? Please share examples of impact.
- Utilizing Substantiated Data: Please describe the relevant data, research, or community-informed sources that guide your work, including the What Do Women Need? report. Include examples of how this information is used to inform program design, decision making, or evaluation.
- Alignment with Funding Priorities: How well does the proposed program align with the Women’s Legacy Fund focus areas: Affordable housing, Childcare, Healthcare (including mental health), and Economic security.
For more information, visit The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County.
