DEI High Impact Grant

The DEI High Impact Grant is administered by the City of San Luis Obispo through its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This local government initiative is designed to support nonprofit organizations that are actively working to advance belonging, equity, and access within the City. The program reflects the City’s broader strategic commitment to fostering inclusive community environments and addressing systemic inequities. Oversight of funding recommendations is conducted by the Human Relations Commission, with final approval authority resting with the City Council, reinforcing the program’s public accountability and civic alignment. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund innovative and high-impact projects that strengthen inclusion and belonging across the City of San Luis Obispo. The funding framework prioritizes initiatives that advance community connection, reduce barriers to participation, and build long-term institutional equity. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable improvements in community wellbeing, civic engagement, and representation, particularly for underserved or underrepresented populations. However, all funded programs must remain open and accessible to all residents regardless of protected characteristics, ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination principles. Funding may be used for a wide range of programmatic activities aligned with four key priority areas: advancing belonging, increasing access, advancing structural and institutional equity, and improving community health and wellbeing. Allowable uses include community engagement initiatives, cultural programming, digital equity efforts, leadership development, workforce pathways, and health-related programming. However, there are strict prohibitions on the use of funds, including political advocacy, religious promotion, personal gain, payment of city fees, stipends to individuals, or any activities not directly tied to the approved project. Additionally, housing and homelessness services are excluded, as they are funded through a separate program. Eligibility is limited primarily to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, although organizations without this designation may apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor acting as the lead applicant. Applicants must demonstrate at least two years of experience delivering relevant programs within San Luis Obispo County and must ensure that all funded activities occur within the City and primarily serve its residents. Organizations must also demonstrate alignment with core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging in both mission and operations. Partnerships are encouraged, particularly those that foster collaboration between community organizations and residents. The application process requires submission through an online portal and includes several mandatory components such as an access and belonging statement, a detailed project budget, an organizational chart, and a W-9 verifying tax-exempt status. Applicants must also attend or review a required information session prior to submission and may access optional technical assistance sessions. Incomplete applications are not considered, and all submissions must meet the stated requirements to advance to review. The review process is competitive, with the Human Relations Commission evaluating proposals based on content, alignment with priorities, and overall impact. The timeline for the grant cycle begins with information sessions in mid-July, followed by the application opening on July 20, 2026, and closing on August 24, 2026. Funding recommendations are presented in October 2026, with final decisions made by the City Council in November. Contracting occurs in December and January, and funds are disbursed in January 2027. Grant recipients are required to enter into a contract, submit periodic and final reports, and return any unused funds. This structured timeline ensures accountability and allows for timely implementation of funded projects.

Provide detailed and specific responses aligned with DEI priorities; emphasize innovation collaboration and measurable community impact; ensure all required documents are complete and aligned with stated goals