The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation is pleased to announce its Community Grant Program application is now available online at www.pasowine.com. The purpose of the Community Grant Program is to help sustain the community’s social services and support San Luis Obispo County charities with programs focused on healthcare, education and greater community services. Funds are generated through the two Wine Country Auctions and are gifted to the selected nonprofits in the fourth quarter of the year. The Alliance continues this gifting platform in 2011 and invites local San Luis Obispo County nonprofit organizations to complete the application by Friday, September 30.

“The Alliance is thrilled to continue giving back to the local community, and we encourage local nonprofit organizations that fit into our gifting platform to apply,” said Alex Villicana, Owner of Villicana Winery and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Chairman. “In the past six years we have been able to gift more than $283,000 and in 2010 alone, were able to gift nearly $70,000 to 13 local charities.”

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit charitable organization. The Alliance began its commitment to support the local community that supports the wine industry in 2006 with funds raised at the 14th Annual Zinfandel Festival. The Alliance continues its commitment by additionally facilitating a Wine Country Auction & Dinner during Wine Festival, furthering the Alliance's dedication to giving dollars back to the community. The Wine Country Auction enriches Zinfandel Festival and Wine Festival by providing a charitable platform to exciting marquee events in wine country.

San Luis Obispo County nonprofit organizations interested in applying for the Community Grant Application should download online at www.pasowine.com. Organizations should fit the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation gifting platform specified above. All applications must be received by Friday, September 30 and follow criteria and procedures specified.

A committee will review each grant and the Alliance Board of Directors ultimately determines where funds are gifted each year. Organizations approved for funding will be notified and a formal letter will be sent to at the end of November.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Administrative Assistant, Paula Todaro at 805.239.8463.