Our History

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The Avila Beach Community Foundation (ABCF) was formed in 1998 in the aftermath of a litigation settlement between UNOCAL and several local governmental agencies to remediate an oil spill that contaminated underground portions of the town of Avila Beach and the beach proper several years earlier.   UNOCAL agreed to a financial settlement of $18,000,000 in cash and the performance of restoration projects.  Of that amount, $3,200,000 was earmarked to establish an endowment to be used for future and ongoing community enhancement projects and programs.  This endowment was ultimately placed into the stewardship of the Avila Beach Community Foundation, which is a charitable organization created to accept donations and fund projects for the enhancement and betterment of the Avila Beach communities.  Since we began issuing grants in the year 2000 the ABCF has awarded and helped distribute approximately $3 million in grants to benefit roughly 200 Avila Beach projects and organizations.  Notable grant examples include the renovation of and ongoing management support for the Avila Beach Community Center, free Avila Beach Trolley services, the Avila Beach lifeguard towers, beach volleyball courts, displays and programs at the Central Coast Aquarium, the Avila Beach Jr. Lifeguards program, summer beach clean-up services, home delivery of the Avila Community News, the popular Mutt Mitts project, supportive services for those in local subsidized housing, two highly acclaimed public art installations and much more.