Santa Barbara Foundation

Santa Barbara’s nonprofits are the trusted problem solvers and community fabric that support our region’s wellbeing — and they need our collective investment. Join the Santa Barbara Foundation for The Inaugural State of Nonprofits in Santa Barbara County Event, a cross-sector convening of business, philanthropic, and civic leaders to explore key findings, share innovations, and take action together. Questions about this event?

Every April, Earth Day is a chance to pause and recognize the people who show up, not just one day a year but every day, to protect the landscapes, coastlines, and trails that define this region. In Santa Barbara County, much of that work is being done by local nonprofits on the front lines of conservation, restoration, and public access. Central to this work is equitable access, ensuring that our county’s natural spaces are open and welcoming to all residents.

Felicita A. Torres and Randal Hernandez join Santa Barbara Foundation’s Board Effective January 1, 2026 Click here to read the press release The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) welcomes two new trustees to its board, Felicita Torres and Randal Hernandez, effective January 1, 2026. “We are excited to welcome ‘Cita’ and Randal to our board,” explained SBF president and CEO Jackie Carrera.

Previously of Vitamin Angels, Forssell brings a wealth of finance experience in the nonprofit sector and joined Foundation on January 20 Click here to read the press release After an extensive national search, the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) announces the appointment of Bonnie Forssell as its new Vice President, Finance and Administration, who joined the Foundation on January 20, 2026.

We are proud to live in Santa Barbara County where we are surrounded by natural beauty, caring neighbors, and a vibrant culture. However, not all residents have the security and opportunity so many of us enjoy. The Santa Barbara Foundation is committed to giving special attention to the needs of working families and the extremely vulnerable. In addition, we will continue to support the arts, education, senior care, and so many other causes you care about just as we have for more than nine decades.

The Santa Barbara Foundation partnered with the County of Santa Barbara to co-host a three-day Housing Loss Prevention Training Series in Goleta, Santa Maria, and Solvang, reaching more than 115 service providers from over 40 organizations, including homelessness service providers, local food banks, schools, mental health providers, and youth-serving organizations.

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?

By: Anne Whatley, Director of the Collaboration for Social Impact, Santa Barbara Foundation This Nonprofit Appreciation Day, the Santa Barbara Foundation proudly celebrates the vital contributions of the nonprofit organizations that serve our county’s residents every day. Strong nonprofits are at the heart of thriving communities—and at SBF, we see their impact daily.

Grant Program Area: Behavioral Health/Health Care Grant ProgramChild Care Grant ProgramsCommunity Disaster Relief & Resilience GrantCommunity Grant ProgramsCommunity Health Workers/Promotores Capacity BuildingConservation, Environment and Public Trails Grant ProgramCritical Needs Response FundEducation Equity GrantFood Grant ProgramGoleta Child Care ProgramHousing AffordabilityMilton Brown Express GrantsNonprofit Excellence GrantOtherSenior Programs of Santa Barbara GrantShelter and Safety...

Affordable, high-quality child care is foundational to family stability, workforce participation, and regional economic vitality. The Santa Barbara Foundation’s Child Care Initiative is advancing a coordinated, countywide strategy to strengthen child care infrastructure. Reflected in the 2025 Santa Barbara County Child Care Facilities Master Plan, the County has established a goal of creating 3,000 new licensed child care spaces by 2030, with a priority on infant and toddler expansion.