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Established in 1928 by Major Max Fleischmann, the Foundation had humble beginnings: ensuring the continuity of free band music in local parks. The Depression brought about a significant change: the trustees widened the scope of the Foundation’s mission. It was not long before the Foundation initiated housing studies, unemployment relief, help for hungry children, and student aid.
Over the years, the Foundation’s mission evolved to enriching the lives of the people of Santa Barbara County through philanthropy. The Foundation achieves this by responding to community needs well as by serving those who wish to carry out their philanthropy in Santa Barbara County and beyond.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is a community foundation established in 1928 to enrich the lives of the people of Santa Barbara County through philanthropy.
- To serve as a leader, catalyst, and resource for philanthropy.
- Build and prudently manage a growing endowment for the community’s present and future needs.
- Provide secure, flexible and effective opportunities for donors to improve their community.
- Strive for measurable community improvement through strategic funding in such fields as education, personal development, health, human services, culture, recreation, community enhancement, and the environment.
- Promote partnerships to address important community issues and leverage resources to meet community needs.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees whose members are drawn from all areas of Santa Barbara County. Staff oversees the day-to-day management, assisted by more than 100 volunteers who serve on committees.
The Foundation maintains a main office in Santa Barbara and Affiliate offices in Lompoc and Santa Maria. Each office enhances the Foundation's knowledge of specific communities.
Approximately 700 Associate Members of the Foundation help support the Foundation’s mission by making yearly contributions of $35 or more. These unrestricted gifts contribute to the growth of the Foundation’s permanent endowment. A portion of the endowment fund is used every year to support grants to hundreds of local nonprofits and loans for area students. Associates are community members who are helping to build a permanent legacy for future generations.
The Santa Barbara Foundation assumed ownership of the local classical radio station KDB FM 93.7 in 2003. Established in 1926, KDB is one of a handful of self-supporting classical music stations in the United States.
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