Donate to the Friends of Downtown SLO ♥
Friends of Downtown SLO is a 501c3 non-profit established in 2018 to help fund programs like our Clean & Safe Ambassador program.
Invest in the place you love.
Downtown is the business, social, and cultural center of San Luis Obispo, and is critical to the economic health of the entire SLOCAL region and Central Coast. From the weekly Thursday Night Farmers’ Market to dazzling Holiday Happenings to a thriving nightlife, it is clear that this charming and historic neighborhood is unlike any other city in California. That’s why our organization is committed to services that help keep downtown a safe, clean, and welcoming place for all visitors — whether they’re living, working, shopping, or exploring downtown.
Here at Downtown SLO, we are constantly working towards cultivating an even more vibrant neighborhood. Whether you live, do business, play, or shop downtown, we want to ensure it is a welcoming space to engage with your fellow SLOcals. But we need help with the resources that will allow us to bring these visions to life. Consider making a tax-deductible donation and help us make your downtown the best it can be.
Our Clean & Safe Program
Our Ambassadors and Clean Team provide cleaning services for the sidewalks and alleys within the boundaries of our 24-block service area. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of trash, graffiti, stickers, and gross messes (like urine, feces, and vomit.)
Additionally, Ambassadors are on the streets connecting our community — whether that's providing directions, recommending restaurants, answering questions, or giving resources to unhoused folks.
Downtown Ambassadors often report potential dangers or active emergency situations to the police, fire department, or emergency services.
Food Access Programs at the Farmers’ Market
Downtown SLO manages a CalFresh/EBT program, providing access to fresh, healthy food to eligible low-income individuals. Additionally, Market Match allows us to increase customers’ buying power when they use their CalFresh/EBT benefits at our market. As the only night market in San Luis Obispo County, we are able to provide equitable access to fresh fruits and veggies to working families and students, and increase downtown foot traffic while doing it!
Honoring Tom Copeland
Downtown SLO is mourning the loss of downtown pioneer, advocate, and champion Tom Copeland. Tom and his late brother Jim were visionaries and passionate advocates for downtown San Luis Obispo. A former Downtown SLO Board member, Tom was instrumental in shaping the vibrant commercial and cultural center that we cherish today.
We are forever grateful for Tom and his wife Pam’s dedication to our organization and community. We are honored that Friends of Downtown SLO was one of the nonprofit organizations Tom chose as a beneficiary for donation support.
Read our 2023–2024 Annual Report to see all the ways we serve our community.