After more than a decade of dedicated, heartfelt work, Heidi McPherson is stepping down as CEO of The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. She’s led with such warmth and vision, turning big dreams into real change. Since she came on board, the Foundation’s grant support has nearly tripled to over $70 million—an incredible testament to her passion for this community. But Heidi’s impact goes way beyond numbers. She launched programs like In Our Backyard to help educate and connect donors, and established the Data Center to spotlight local issues that matter. Through wildfires, a global pandemic, and challenging times, Heidi’s steady leadership and unwavering commitment have guided the community forward, ensuring essential funding was available when it was most needed. Heidi leaves The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo stronger and ready for the future. Please consider making a gift to honor Heidi's incredible service and commitment to this community. 

The scholarship is designed to assist adults in SLO County who are re-entering the education system to further their education or pursue training for a new career. Awards are granted quarterly to students attending Cuesta College, Allan Hancock College, or local vocational schools. Up to $5000 available to adults re-entering the education system.   

The Monday Club is a nonprofit civic organization with a long history of community service.  Founded in 1924, the Monday Club has done many things for the San Luis Obispo community since then. They support local charitable causes supporting women and children and those dedicated to enhancing the San Luis Obispo community's educational, civic, social, and cultural quality. In 1928 the membership was up to 350 and the need to have their own clubhouse was apparent. A member's husband was the County Clerk, who alerted them of a property on upper Monterey Street that was available because of default. They quickly voted to purchase the property and raised the $3,900 needed. Club members held rummage sales, card parties, flower shows, fashion shows and dinners. Some even shined the shoes of businessmen at a stand on the corner of Monterey and Chorro Streets! The title to the property was acquired after incorporation on August 14, 1930. Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan designed the beautiful historic building that houses The Monday Club and was constructed in 1933-1934. Julia Morgan designed the clubhouse to resemble a garden gazebo with an interior awning over the stage area. Large off-white Chinese lanterns lit the room. Miss Barneberg's brother donated the flagstone, shipped from Merced County, for the fireplace. Miss Morgan oversaw the construction and painting of the interior. Your contribution is not just a donation; it's a pledge to preserve a national landmark and continue to serve our community.

The scholarship was established in memory of Richard Fisher, a man who dedicated his life to serving our country and community. A member of the National Guard, he also served the City of San Luis Obispo from 1977 until his passing in 2024. During his time with the city, he was key in building public improvements essential to our lives – water and sewer systems, better roads, and public buildings. Richard’s impact went beyond bricks and mortar. He was passionate about mentoring the next generation of public servants.

The scholarship will be awarded to high school or undergraduate/adult students pursuing Career Technical Education or Construction Trades Programs.

Please consider in helping to honor Richard's legacy by supporting this scholarship fund.

Ben McAdams was a dedicated philanthropist who supported and championed many important causes in our local community. In lieu of flowers, his family requests we honor his commitment to the community by donating gifts in memory of Ben McAdams at The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County. The family will direct gifts to the organizations near and dear to Ben’s heart.

This fund was established to support programs of local organizations that improve the lives of women and girls in SLO county. Donations may be made to one of the following:

• The Endowment, a permanent fund which sustains grant making over many years.
• Operations, to support the work of volunteers and staff in administration, education, and outreach for the current year.
• Next year’s grants, which will be gifted in full to award recipients of the next annual grant cycle.

The Fire Relief Fund will enable local donors to make gifts to support those impacted by the wildfires throughout California. The Foundation will redistribute funding to the closest community foundations near the disaster to direct to local agencies who are on the ground in their communities providing immediate support to those most in need. The Community Foundation has waived all administrative fees so 100% of donations will be used for grantmaking.

Fund for Supporting Organization that receives and liquidates charitable gifts of real estate and distributes the proceeds as donors instruct

The preservation of 550 Dana Street will make us more sustainable, better serve nonprofits, and protect and maintain a historic resource.

Donors wanting to support the operations of The Community Foundation may do so by making a donation here.

This unrestricted endowment fund supports ongoing discretionary grantmaking that responds to the most pressing issues facing people in our community.

The Community Foundation has a Disaster Support Fund to assist communities affected by natural disasters or pandemics. Donations to the fund will provide both immediate relief and support rebuilding and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the recent devastation. Grants from the fund will be distributed to nonprofit agencies and organizations directly assisting individuals to meet needs as they arise and to deploy resources where they are most needed. The Community Foundation has waived all administrative fees so 100% of donations will be used for grantmaking.

This fund provides grants to local organizations working towards the betterment of the environment or ecology of San Luis Obispo County

The Community Foundation created the Leadership Fund to keep our operations sustainable as we respond to ever increasing requests for services. This fund supports The Community Foundation's philanthropic leadership in San Luis Obispo County.