Grant Opportunities | Additional Information
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. 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.
The Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program: Grants up to $2,500 will be available to Santa Barbara County microbusinesses and nonprofits. Review full eligibility, use of funds, and required documents.
The Small Capacity Building Grant Program awards are aimed at strengthening the organizational capacity and programmatic effectiveness of nonprofit organizations serving communities within Santa Barbara County. An organization may apply once per calendar year.
Behavioral Health/Health Care Grant Program are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of behavioral health and health care. Grant Max Amount: $30,000 for up to two years.
Food Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of food. Grant Max Amount: $30,000 for up to two years.
Shelter & Safety Grants are available to support nonprofit organizations directly providing services in the areas of shelter and safety and housing loss prevention assistance. Grant Max Amount: $30,000 for up to two years.
William and Lottie Daniel Fund Child Care Scholarships are available to nonprofit organizations that provide quality child care for working families. The funds applied for may be used to subsidize child care program fees/costs for current Santa Barbara County residents. Grant Amounts: Up to $50,000.
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.
The Conservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant Program will support environmental sustainability, land conservation, habitat restoration, public trails, and ecosystem health across Santa Barbara County. Grant amounts: up to $25,000.
The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts seeks to invest in, nurture, and grow the arts sector by offering support for performances of a 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.
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. Please complete the application through our SmartSimple SBF Grant Portal.
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 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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