United Way of
San Luis Obispo County

Youth Grants

The United Way Youth Board recently awarded three $1,000 grants to local youth driven programs: Restorative Partners' book club project for youth in juvenile hall, CAPSLO's Generation Next Cal Poly Adventure field trip for students from their Teen Resource Center, and Lewis Middle School 7th Grade Envirotech Class, who will work with One Cool Earth to create sustainability projects, all pictured above. Congratulations to this year's recipients!

Flavor of SLO

Tickets are now available for our 6th Annual Flavor of SLO! Planned annually by a team of Cal Poly students, this casual tasting event will feature local cuisine and live entertainment at the beautiful Jack House and Gardens. The ever growing lineup includes: Luna Red, Spike's, Tahoe Joe's, Cattaneo Brothers, Firestone Walker Brewery, Kelsey See Canyon, Central Coast Brewing, Justin Vineyards & Winery, Bianchi Winery, Castoro Cellars, Broken Earth Winery, Old San Luis BBQ, Tyrone Armstrong, Cal Poly Chocolates, and Eureka! Buy your tickets today!

MyFreeTaxes.org

With only four weeks until April 15th, you still have a chance to take advantage of our free tax services. Individuals or families with a combined income under $58,000 qualify for free online tax filing. Visit www.myfreetaxes.org to file your federal and state income taxes for free with H&R Block software. All you need is a valid email address and your income forms. Individuals and families with income under $52,000 may schedule in person appointments for preparation assistance with a certified IRS volunteer from VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance). There are still many appointments available at our Grover Beach site, located at the Business and Career One Stop of 5 Cities. Visit www.MyFreeTaxes.org to make your appointment.

Community Impact Fund

Grant Readers Needed

Each year, United Way utilizes volunteers to play a crucial role in the grant process. Grant Readers review Community Impact Fund applications and make funding recommendations to the UWSLOC Board of Directors in order to carry out the spirit of United Way's mission and to ensure a fair and equitable means for distributing funds raised. Volunteers should have an interest in health and human services, sound decision-making skills, adequate time to devote to responsibilities (about 10 hours), and ability to fairly represent the community. They review assigned applications, attend an orientation and panel meetings, and must maintain confidentiality. Download the interest sheet at www.unitedwayslo.org or email Rachel for more information.

Grant Deadline Approaching

Proposals for 2013-2014 Community Impact Fund grants are due on March 20, 2014 by 4:00 PM. Grant guidelines and applications are available to download online at www.unitedwayslo.org. Nonprofit organizations with a focus on improving SLO County through their work in Education, Income, or Health, and that have had held their tax exempt status for at least three years, are encouraged to apply. This year, UWSLOC will strategically focus on creating lasting change in SLO County, emphasizing root cause and prevention strategies in the selection process.

Give. Advocate. Volunteer.

VolunteerSLO is an online database of volunteer opportunities for SLO County. Search by event or type of activity, for groups or individuals, one time or on-going, and find your perfect match.

Baskets, twin sheets and gardening tools. These are all items listed in this month's Opportunity Exchange. Take a look and find an opportunity to Give, Advocate or Volunteer for a local nonprofit.

If you would like more information on specific needs, volunteer opportunities or upcoming events, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing. You can find the Opportunity Exchange in it's new location on our website, under "Take Action" in the menu.