Survey Seeks to Assess Changes in LGBT Community

Public urged to help decide where grant monies should be spent
The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation established the Growing Together Initiative in 2001, dedicated to addressing the needs of the San Luis Obispo Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community. This Initiative has created a permanent endowment to ensure ongoing support for local LGBT organizations, and to provide a significant source of funding for programs addressing their issues.
The Advisory Committee is conducting a community survey to guide them in determining the best uses for these funds. They are asking all residents of San Luis Obispo County to participate in this important survey, which can be accessed online at www.sloccf.org. It should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. All survey responses are confidential and no individual survey data will be released. Deadline for completing the survey is October 30, 2008.
Questions about this survey or the Growing Together Initiative can be directed to Janice Fong Wolf at the San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation (805) 543-2323. Also, residents unable to utilize the website or access the survey due to special needs may contact the Community Foundation offices at (805) 543-2323. A printed copy of the survey can be mailed by regular post.
“We conducted a similar survey in 2001,” said Wolf, “and the results were immensely useful.” Nearly half of the LGBT respondents from that survey had personally experienced discrimination, harassment or abuse. “We are excited to see what has changed since then, and encourage everyone – no matter what your sexual orientation is – to participate.”
Celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2008, SLOCCF has grown its assets to over $27 million, holds more than 200 funds and has given out more than $12 million in grants to assist nonprofit agencies. For more information on the SLOCCF, applying for a fund or application workshops, call 543-2323 or log onto www.sloccf.org.