Across Santa Barbara County, nonprofit organizations are navigating significant challenges, including financial disruption or increased demand for services due to shifts in public funding, changes in federal policy, or other emerging challenges. These organizations cannot afford to pause their work, and our communities must continue to have access to these vital services.
In times of crisis, the Santa Barbara Foundation serves as a community convener, advocate, and philanthropic first responder to ensure our region is prepared and equipped to effectively respond to challenges.
At a time when public need is growing—not shrinking—many nonprofits are being asked to do more with less.
In response, the Santa Barbara Foundation has launched the Critical Needs Response Fund to provide timely, flexible support to Santa Barbara County nonprofits experiencing these disruptions and/or increased demand for services—so that our community remains strong, connected, and cared for.
The Critical Needs Response Fund offers short-term, timely support to nonprofit organizations that are experiencing financial disruptions due to changes in federal or public funding and/or are experiencing an increase in demand for services due to policy shifts.
The goal is to provide flexible resources that help organizations adapt, respond, and remain resilient in a shifting landscape.
The Critical Needs Response Fund prioritizes nonprofit organizations addressing basic needs within Santa Barbara County that serve as vital lifelines in our communities.
Funding will prioritize organizations that:
The Critical Needs Response Fund is now open and accepting applications from nonprofit organizations experiencing financial disruptions due to changes in federal or public funding and/or are experiencing an increase in demand for services due to policy shifts.
This responsive grant opportunity is unrestricted funding and is designed to provide timely, flexible support to help local organizations continue delivering essential services and strengthen their capacity to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
Funds are accepted on a rolling basis and are available until the funds are expended. We will reopen funding once replenished.
We invite applications from 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored entities that:
Priority will be given to nonprofits that are community-embedded, equity-focused, and positioned to respond quickly to evolving needs and/ or can demonstrate an unexpected gap in funding that risks organizational impact.
Please reach out if you have questions as to whether your organization would qualify as one that provides essential services.
Confirmation & Review
You will receive a confirmation email upon submission. Our team will follow up if additional information is needed during the review.
Q: What types of nonprofits are eligible to apply?
A: Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored organizations that serve Santa Barbara County residents. We do not fund individuals or for-profit businesses.
Q: Do emails suffice as documentation for funding loss?
A: Emails can count as proof of the reductions or rescission, but cannot count as proof of the initial award – a signed agreement must be provided.
Q: What are some examples of eligible funding loss?
A:
Terminated final year(s) of multi-year grants
Subgrantee on grant that was reduced or rescinded
The reduction or loss in ability to provide goods as a result of cuts stemming from public funding or policy changes (e.g., USDA food deliveries)
Q: Does loss of annual donor contributions count as funding loss?
A: No, this does not meet the criteria of funding loss.
Q: Can we apply if we already receive funding from the Santa Barbara Foundation?
A: Yes. Organizations that have an existing SBF grant may apply for Critical Needs Response grants.
Q: If we are denied funding from the Critical Needs Response Fund, may we reapply?
A: If you have been denied funding previously from the Critical Needs Response Fund, please contact a member of our team about resubmitting at a later date.
Q: How can the funds be utilized?
A: The purpose of the funds are to offset funding loss or the need for expanded services. The funds can be spent at your discretion.
Q: When are applications due?
A: Submit your application at any time – grant review and awards will continue on a rolling basis until funds are expended.
Q: Can we request funding for a new program?
A: This fund is primarily intended to support continuity and stabilization, not new program development. However, if an emerging service has become essential in response to changing community needs, it may be considered.
Q: What if we don’t provide “essential services” such as food, shelter, housing, but provide critical services to local communities. Can we apply?
A: If you have questions, please reach out to us. We are using “essential services” broadly and will consider nonprofits who experienced federal/public funding cuts that impact the wellbeing of our local communities/ county.
Q: If we receive a Critical Needs Response grant?
A: Due to finite resources, we are limiting to one grant per organization.
Q: Are there reporting requirements?
A: Yes. Funded organizations will be asked to submit a brief report within 13 months of receiving funding, sharing how funds were used and what impact they had.
Q: Is technical assistance available during the application process?
A: Yes. Please contact our Programs team at programs@sbfoundation.org or (805) 963-1873 for support. If this is your first time applying for an SBF grant, we’re here to help!
We’re here to help. Reach out to us at programs@sbfoundation.org for guidance, eligibility questions, or application support. To speak with someone, you may also contact a member of our team directly:
For eligibility questions:
For technical assistance:
The Santa Barbara Foundation works closely with nonprofit and community partners to understand emerging financial and service disruptions.
When critical needs are identified, we:
The Fund remains open for ongoing contributions and will be deployed proactively and responsively as funding conditions evolve.
Your support makes it possible for nonprofits to stay steady—and continue serving those who rely on them.
A donation to the Critical Needs Response Fund helps bridge funding gaps, sustain programs, and support the long-term health of our nonprofit sector.
Every contribution brings vital services within reach for those most impacted by today’s challenges. 100% of donations go directly to the nonprofits serving Santa Barbara County communities.
For questions about giving, including donor-advised fund recommendations or major gifts, please contact us at jsanchez@sbfoundation.org.
The Santa Barbara Foundation has a long history of responding quickly to the evolving needs of our community—from natural disasters to public health emergencies to social and economic disruptions.
This new fund builds on that legacy—ensuring nonprofits can weather the challenges ahead with strength, adaptability, and support from the community they serve.
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