The City’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will soon release its 2026-27 DEI High Impact Grant funding opportunity totaling $150,000 for eligible local nonprofit organizations.
To be eligible to apply, nonprofit organizations are required to either attend an upcoming in-person or virtual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion High Impact Grant information session or review a recording of the session. City staff will provide an overview of the updated funding framework, key changes from previous funding cycles, eligibility requirements, and the application process, including important deadlines.
Interested organizations may choose to attend either of the two information sessions listed below or review the recorded session. Applicants will be asked to attest in their application that they completed one of these options.
DEI High Impact Grant Information Sessions
Option 1 – IN PERSON
Date: Monday, July 13, 2026
Time: 9:00am to 10:00am
Location: FIT Conference Room, City Hall
Lower Level, 990 Palm St., San Luis Obispo
Register by July 12th via Email Here!
Option 2 - VIRTUAL
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Register via Zoom Here!
While organizations may satisfy the requirement by reviewing the recorded session, attending in person or virtually is strongly encouraged. This funding cycle includes important updates that may affect how proposals are evaluated, and the live sessions provide an opportunity to ask City staff questions about the updated funding framework and application process. A recording will be posted on the DEI High Impact Grant webpage following the second information session for those who are unable to attend.
About the DEI High Impact Grant Program
The DEI High Impact Grant Program is part of the City’s strategic approach for achieving its major city goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, specifically to support increased access and belonging for all community members. Any programs/projects funded by this grant will need to be made accessible to all otherwise qualified individuals and without regard to an individual’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental, or economic status.
Applicant proposals should contribute to systemic or structural changes that strengthen inclusion and foster a greater sense of belonging throughout the City of San Luis Obispo. Projects must align with at least one of four funding priorities: advancing belonging, increasing access, advancing structural and institutional equity, or improving community health and well-being. Updated funding priorities, grant guidelines, and application requirements are available online. Applications will be accepted from July 20 through August 24, with submissions due by 5:00 p.m.
The information sessions will take place prior to the application period opening to provide interested applicants with ample time to prepare competitive grant proposals. The information sessions will also provide an opportunity for organizations to ask questions and gain clarity on how to submit a competitive application aligned with the City’s priorities. An information session in Spanish can be provided upon request by emailing dei@slocity.org.
In addition to offering the above information sessions, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will also be holding technical assistance office hours on Wednesday, July 29th. Please email dei@slocity.org to reserve a spot!
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Media Contact: Matt Pennon, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Manager, 805.781.7073, mpennon@slocity.org
