R.A.C.E. Matters SLO

What R.A.C.E. Matters SLO does

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 and headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. Its mission is to create artistic, cultural, educational, and social experiences that amplify Black voices and matters of racial justice. The organization serves Black residents, broader BIPOC communities, and racial-justice allies across San Luis Obispo County — a region identified as the 45th least diverse of California's 58 counties. It operates through a portfolio of six named sub-programs: NoireSLO (social/community gatherings, launched 2018), RaiseUP SLO (family programming for children of color), Stories Matter (annual live storytelling showcase now in its sixth year), Restrictions Apply (an award-winning documentary on racial covenants in SLO housing), Braiding Water (a multi-location arts and cultural festival launched 2023), and Texture (a Black-centered salon and multiuse space opened 2022 and currently being closed).

The organization's revenue model is donation-dependent, drawing on individual contributions (via Zeffy after the prior processor Flipcause went bankrupt), event ticket proceeds (film screenings at The Palm Theatre, annual fundraisers), project-specific grants (notably California Humanities for Braiding Water, and the Community Foundation of SLO County for Black Girl Wellness), and previously salon service revenue from Texture. Programming is delivered primarily free or on a sliding scale. Go-to-market is community-led: grassroots organizing, word-of-mouth, email newsletter, organic social media, and venue partnerships across 40+ named local organizations spanning municipal (SLO City, Morro Bay City), academic (Cal Poly, Cuesta College), tribal (yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash Tribe), civic (NAACP SLO County, Diversity Coalition), and arts (SLO Museum of Art, SLO Film Festival, The Palm Theatre) institutions.

Operational footprint is intentionally small: one Executive Director (Courtney Haile, M.A. Ethnic Studies), a six-person volunteer Board of Directors, and two specialized academic volunteers. In 2025, the Board elected not to renew Texture's lease and initiated an operational restructuring — partly due to high physical-space overhead and the loss of approximately $27,000 in donations trapped by the bankruptcy of payment processor Flipcause. The organization is seeking approximately $30,000 to cover essential costs through February 2026 and intends to continue community-centered programming under a restructured, lower-overhead model.

Name

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO

Legal name

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County

Website

https://racemattersslo.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is a Black-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 that creates arts, culture, education, and social programming to amplify Black voices and advance racial justice for BIPOC residents of San Luis Obispo County, California.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Advocacy and Cultural Programming

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311)

akta.pro primary industry

Racial & Ethnic Justice Organizations (BPAGAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Organizations (BPAGAFAB)

Keywords

• Community advocacy programs
• Racial justice education
• Cultural arts programming
• Community storytelling events
• Nonprofit community building

Headquarters

HQ city

San Luis Obispo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations through payment processors (Zeffy), monthly recurring donations, and fundraising campaigns to support operations and mission.
2. Event Ticket Sales: Revenue from ticketed events including film screenings, fundraisers, workshops, and cultural programming.
3. Salon Services Revenue: Texture salon generates revenue through hair styling services by rotating stylists, though this is ending due to lease non-renewal.
4. Grants and Sponsorships: Funding from sponsors and project partners for specific programs like Braiding Water, supported by organizations like California Humanities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is a Black-led nonprofit organization that creates artistic, cultural, educational, and social programs amplifying Black voices and advancing racial justice in San Luis Obispo County. Its core offerings include signature programs (NoireSLO social events, RaiseUP SLO family programming, Stories Matter live storytelling, Braiding Water cultural festival), an original documentary (Restrictions Apply), the Texture salon and community space, a Black Owned Business Directory, and curated anti-racism educational resources. Revenue is generated through donations, grants, event ticket sales, and salon services.

Product overview

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is a Black-led nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of community programs and initiatives rather than a unified technology product. The organization's offerings span cultural programming (Stories Matter annual storytelling events), community spaces (Texture salon/multiuse space currently transitioning to closure), social initiatives (NoireSLO for Black community connection, RaiseUP SLO for families), educational content (Restrictions Apply documentary, Anti-Racism Resources), arts festivals (Braiding Water cultural festival), and business directory services (Black Owned Business Directory). The programs work together to fulfill the mission of creating artistic, cultural, educational, and social experiences that amplify Black voices and matters of racial justice in San Luis Obispo County.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NoireSLO: Social initiative connecting the local Black community through events and gatherings, launched in 2018
• RaiseUP SLO
• Stories Matter
• Braiding Water
• Restrictions Apply
• Texture

Products and services

• NoireSLO A social initiative connecting the Black community in San Luis Obispo County through social events and gatherings, designed to foster community connection among Black residents.
• RaiseUP SLO A family-focused program creating an inclusive and supportive environment for children of color through community building, education, and advocacy, with educational activities and programs for families of color.
• Stories Matter An annual curated live storytelling showcase featuring true personal stories from Black-identifying community members and other people of color, produced in collaboration with Reboot Storytelling ReImagined.
• Braiding Water A multi-location art and cultural festival weaving together ceremony, joy, and environmental care, centering BIPOC voices from the Central Coast. Includes film screenings, beach cleanups, storytelling, and water-related cultural events.
• Restrictions Apply An 18-minute documentary about racism and racial covenants in San Luis Obispo, accompanied by educational resources and a study guide on housing injustice and the racial wealth gap.
• Texture A Black-centered multiuse space featuring a salon with rotating stylists and cultural programming, envisioned as an inspiring cultural hub for the organization's programs and events.
• Texture Shop A Black-owned gift shop featuring merchandise and Black-owned goods, operated through the Texture space and integrated with Square for e-commerce.
• Black Owned Business Directory A directory connecting community members with Black-owned businesses in the San Luis Obispo County area, powered by Airtable.
• Anti-Racism Resources A curated collection of articles, national organizations, local resources, books, films, podcasts, and influencers focused on anti-racism education and advocacy.

Quantifiable outcome

• Multiple annual signature events including Stories Matter (6th annual), NoireSLO social series, and community fundraisers.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered major and minor.

• California HumanitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor sponsor of the Braiding Water multi-location art and cultural festival. California Humanities is a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• SLO CitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival, representing municipal support for the organization.
• Morro Bay CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• SESLOC Federal Credit UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• Origin Design + Development (UDI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• State FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• SLO NoorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• Morro Bay TourismminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• Gravillis Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsor of the Braiding Water festival.
• SLO Museum of ArtmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner for Braiding Water festival, featuring Storied Waters: Dreams of Bayanihan exhibition.
• SLO Film FestivalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner for Braiding Water film programming, collaborating on film screening events.
• The Bunker SLOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner, hosting Lifeguard Station Art Reveal as part of Braiding Water festival.
• Baby DudesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner hosting pre-party events for Braiding Water film screenings.
• EcoSLOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner for Braiding Water beach cleanup event.
• Reboot Storytelling ReImaginedmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreative collaborator for Stories Matter live storytelling showcase program.
• Downtown Commercial District SLOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject partner for Braiding Water festival.
• NAACP SLO CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization for 'At the Table with Dr. King' MLK Day event.
• County of San Luis Obispo Public LibrariesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for 'Outside Together' screening and Q&A event.
• SLO County Behavioral HealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for 'Outside Together' screening and Q&A event.
• Diversity CoalitionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborating organization for Braiding Water closing celebration event.
• Central Coast AquariummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Braiding Water beach cleanup event.
• The Palm Theatre / SLO Film CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for multiple film screening events; proceeds from ticket sales support both organizations.
• Luna RedminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for 4th Annual Brunch Fundraiser.
• Kreuzberg CaliforniaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for 6th Annual Stories Matter event.
• SeaCrest Oceanfront HotelminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for Business Supporting Business Leadership Panel and Braiding Water closing celebration.
• Agape ChurchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue host for 'At the Table with Dr. King' event.
• yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini (ytt) Northern Chumash TribemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous partner for Braiding Water land acknowledgment; working to obtain Ancestral Home Land Back on Diablo Lands/Pecho Coast region.
• Chumash Heritage National Marine SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst tribally nominated sanctuary on California's Central Coast, partner in Braiding Water program.
• SLO Climate CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal organization focused on climate solutions supporting those disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
• SLO Beaver BrigademinorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization dedicated to stewarding wetland health.
• EcologisticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSLO-based nonprofit collaborating to create resilient and healthy communities.
• Central Coast Coalition For Undocumented Student SuccessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective of advocates and educators challenging anti-immigrant and oppressive ideologies.
• Black Lives Matter Community Action @BLMCASLOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal chapter taking action to cultivate a safe and beloved SLO community.
• Paso People's ActionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots organization building community and advocating for historically marginalized peoples in Northern SLO County.
• Central Coast Association on Racial JusticeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollective creating equity across the Central Coast.
• Central Coast Alliance United For A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBase-building organization committed to social, economic, and environmental justice for working-class and immigrant communities.
• Corazón del PueblominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley.
• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural HistoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatures Chumash Life exhibition relevant to indigenous cultural programming.
• SLO ChambermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Business Supporting Business (BSB) leadership panel event.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Broad incumbents

• Color of Change: Largest online racial justice organization in the U.S.; comparable mission of mobilizing Black community voice for systemic change, though operating at national scale rather than at the community-arts grassroots level.
• Race Forward: National racial justice organization operating the Colorlines news platform and policy research; comparable as a larger, more institutionalized version of R.A.C.E. Matters' mission to apply racial justice analysis to community change.

Direct peers

• Black Women's Blueprint: National Black feminist nonprofit centering Black women and girls through organizing, arts, and advocacy; similar community-led structure with comparable reliance on grassroots donations, events, and signature programs.
• The Laundromat Project: NYC-based nonprofit that engages BIPOC artists and neighbors in cultural programming and racial justice work in local communities; closest analogue to R.A.C.E. Matters' arts-plus-justice hybrid model at a similar organizational scale.
• Urban Bush Women: Dance and arts organization using performance as a catalyst for racial and gender justice; directly comparable to R.A.C.E. Matters' use of cultural programming (Stories Matter, Braiding Water) as a vehicle for Black community empowerment.
• Ella Baker Center for Human Rights: Oakland-based racial justice nonprofit building power in Black and Brown communities through organizing, advocacy, and narrative change; mirrors R.A.C.E. Matters' grassroots, narrative-driven racial justice approach on a larger California stage.
• Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ): National network of white and multiracial allies organizing for racial justice; analogous community-organizing model and similar mix of grassroots education, events, and donor-supported programming.
• NAACP San Luis Obispo County: Local civil rights organization explicitly listed as a R.A.C.E. Matters partner on the 'At the Table with Dr. King' MLK event; operates in the same SLO County geography with overlapping racial-justice and BIPOC community-building missions.
• Diversity Coalition San Luis Obispo: Regional DEI coalition and R.A.C.E. Matters partner (Braiding Water closing celebration); pursues similar equity-building and community-education work in SLO County with overlapping audiences and sponsors.

Regional players

• CAUSE (Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy): Central Coast base-building organization committed to social, economic, and environmental justice for working-class and immigrant communities; R.A.C.E. Matters partner, with overlapping grassroots organizing model and shared donor/sponsor base in the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/R.A.C.E.MattersSLO
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/r-a-c-e-matters-slo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about R.A.C.E. Matters SLO