The Foundation makes grants in response to needs and requests from the nonprofits in our community. They are supported by the Foundation’s endowment and donors, and are awarded through a rigorous process of research, planning, due diligence and evaluation. Foundation staff consult with community volunteers whose expertise ensures a balanced approach to the review process.
Please review the grant descriptions below to see which is the best opportunity for you. The majority of our applications are online with the exception of our Give Together Grant Programs which can be completed through a fillable PDF.
Please note: Before starting your fillable PDF application, please download and save the application to your desktop using Adobe Reader. Edits made to the form in the browser will not be saved. Review Application & Submittal Procedures for further instructions.
Grant guidelines and applications will be posted as they become available. For more information, please review the 2021 Community Information Session video below. You may also reference our Eligibility Criteria & FAQs.
We encourage you to reach out to an SBF staff member – points of contact are listed for each Grant Opportunity below, and on our special initiative pages.
Small Capacity Building Program grants (formerly Express Grants) are awards of up to $5,000 aimed at strengthening the organizational capacity and programmatic effectiveness of nonprofit organizations serving Santa Barbara County.
Click here to review grant guidelines.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is excited to announce the creation of the Conservation, Environment, and Public Trails Grant Program made possible by the Hollis Norris Fund for Conservation, Environment, and Public Trails. This grant program will support conservation, environment, and public trails projects across Santa Barbara County, with a preference given to those on the South Coast of Santa Barbara County from Point Conception to the Ventura County line and the Santa Ynez Valley. Grant amounts: up to $25,000.
Health Care Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of health care. Grant amounts: up to $50,000.
Behavioral Health Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of behavioral health. Grant amounts: up to $50,000.
Food Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of food. Grant amounts: up to $50,000.
Shelter & Safety Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of shelter and safety. Grant amounts: up to $50,000.
William and Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarships are available to nonprofit organizations that provide quality child care for working families. Grant Amounts: Up to $35,000.
The Santa Barbara Foundation offers Child Care grants of up to $15,000 to increase capacity among nonprofit child care providers in Santa Barbara County to meet the critical needs of young children and set the stage for lifelong learning success. This year’s grant will also focus on supporting providers in leadership and professional development, family engagement, and strategies that promote equitable access to quality child care. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit child care providers serving children 0-5 years of age.
Blood Research and Education Grants, offered through the Tri-Counties Blood Bank Fund, are available to support blood and blood-related products and services.
The Senior Programs of Santa Barbara Committee Advised Fund Program Grants are available to support programs and projects directed to the welfare of senior citizens in the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria. Grants cannot be used for overhead, salaries, capital or building funds. Grant range: $2,000 to $15,000. Collaborative applications are acceptable.
The Senior Programs Fund also makes available each year a sum of $5,000 for Milton Brown Express Grants, with the purpose of funding a limited number of one-per-year grants to a grantee of up to $1,000 each. Express Grants are available for a variety of activities in the following areas: small projects, short-term opportunities and sponsorships.
The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts seeks to invest in, nurture, and grow the arts sector by offering support for performances of higher caliber. Grants will be available to nonprofit organizations seeking to further their mission of providing quality performing art opportunities. The maximum award for the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts is $15,000.
The Santa Barbara Foundation recognizes the need to advance the workforce development system in Santa Barbara County to improve employment outcomes and earning power for residents. To learn more about Workforce Development opportunities for your organization, please contact us.
Contact our team to help you with your specific needs.
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