Biodiversity First!
The mission of Biodiversity First! is “to preserve and protect the wild lands and species upon which we depend for our own physical and spiritual survival.”
Biodiversity First! formed in response to shared concern over loss of the last remaining critical habitats and connective corridors used by a plethora of endangered species in our western desert and grasslands throughout North America. Segmentation caused by development in sensitive habitats has threatened the extinction of many of these species and has limited their ability to migrate.
Carrizo Plain Conservancy
Carrizo Plain Conservancy is a non-profit corporation dedicated to protecting and conserving the Carrizo Plain in San Luis Obispo County, CA. Its mission is “creating conservation initiatives and facilitating on-going conservation and restoration efforts on the Carrizo Plain.” Carrizo Plain Conservancy received its tax-exempt status from the IRS and now accepts donations directly.
Home Share SLO
HomeShare SLO is initiating a pilot program to test the concept and viability of a countywide homeshare program for San Luis Obispo County.
HomeShare SLO will help match people with an extra room in their homes with people who need a room. Homesharing provides affordable housing using existing home infrastructure, allows for aging in place, builds community and empowers community members.
HopeDance
Bob Banner’s purpose in publishing HopeDance online is to report on the outrageous, pioneering and inspiring activities of outstanding individuals and organizations who are creating a new world—regardless of their spiritual tradition or political agenda.
HopeDance’s intention is to help connect people to specific projects, individuals, and organizations for the benefit of the people, plants, animals and land in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties…and beyond.
Leadership SLO Class XXIV Legacy Project
Leadership San Luis Obispo is a countywide program designed to bring participants out of their “comfort zones,” to make friendships, explore personal biases, and learn new leadership styles and ways of handling diversity in opinions and people.
Leadership SLO Class XXIV’s legacy project is to create plans to re-landscape the grounds around San Luis Obispo’s City Hall by removing the lawn and replacing it with drought tolerant and native plants. Their project includes an educational component to encourage the public to consider incorporating similar landscaping in their own yards.
Peace Academy of the Sciences and Arts
The Peace Academy of the Sciences and Arts is a program designed to create holistic, real-world experiences in an eco-friendly and robust learning environment with the most comprehensive standards in the sciences, humanities and the arts. The founders of the Peace Academy aspire to continue this program through 12th grade, graduating students who are global citizens, stewards of the environment, and peace leaders for our world.
Poly Canyon Ventures
Poly Canyon Ventures (PCV) is a non-profit organization founded and managed by Cal Poly students. Its mission is (1) to help Cal Poly students learn about entrepreneurship and early-stage investing by embodying the college’s learn-by-doing philosophy; and (2) to promote socially and environmentally responsible business and investing practices across campus.
SLO350.ORG
SLO350.org is part of the 350.org global movement to combat climate change. SLO350.org is building a grassroots campaign in San Luis Obispo, CA to bring awareness and inspire action on a local, statewide and national level to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to safe levels and get off fossil fuels.
South SLO County Womenade
SoSLOCoWomenade is a community of people that donates money, food, clothing, time, money and other items to meet essential needs in South SLO County. Referrals come from schools, medical professionals, county health departments and organizations such as the many Family Resource Centers and CAPSLO. Funds raised through quarterly potlucks in south SLO county are used to fulfill the needs in our county that are not being met. The community also donates primarily used items requested by agencies.
Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District
The Upper Salinas-Las Tablas Resource Conservation District (US-LT RCD) formed in 1951 to provide technical assistance, education and resources to assist agricultural, rural, and urban communities to preserve soil, water, air, plants, and animals while supporting sustainable land productivity in greater San Luis Obispo County and parts of Kern and Monterey Counties.
Where Once There Was Water
“Where There Once Was Water” is a feature-length documentary film about the California water crisis, focusing on ecological solutions and holistic management approaches to restoring and repairing our broken water cycle. Directed by local photographer & filmmaker Brittany App, this film takes a deep dive into Indigenous knowledge around the sacredness of water, contrasted with our prevalent out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach to interacting with our water here in the United States. California is used as a case study for discussing water scarcity issues worldwide, and solutions are presented that may help us avoid a global catastrophe. But the call to action is clear… If we want a future in which there is clean water for all life, we must act. And we must act now.
Youth Philanthropy Connect
Youth Philanthropy Connect is a youth-led way for young people involved in philanthropic work to connect and learn through a peer network.
This program connects youth boards with their peers and colleagues, and provides educational programs and peer networks that advance youth involvement in philanthropy and develop the personal and professional skills of the next generation of philanthropic leaders.