General Guidelines for Funding Opportunities
Primary Focus Areas
The Foundation gives highest priority to activities providing greater access to people who are economically disadvantaged and underserved. Of particular interest to the Foundation are applications specifically addressing the needs of low-income children and youth, older adults, and people affected by disabilities and homelessness. The Foundation also funds activities benefiting the general community and improving the quality of life for all individuals in Santa Barbara County.
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Museums & Historical Preservations
Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theater)
Performing Arts Education (Dance, Music, Theater)
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Public Safety (abuse prevention/services, legal services, safety education, transportation)
Community Recreation (camps, clubs, festivals, parks, playgrounds, libraries)
Food Security (community food systems, food sovereignty)
Environment (biodiversity, climate change, environmental education, public gardens)
Animal Welfare (animal shelters & services, zoos)
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Adult Education (adult literacy, high school equivalency, continuing education)
Early Childhood Education (infant – preschool education/childcare)
Education Services (college preparation, computer literacy, out-of-school learning, literacy, student retention, tutoring, after-school educational programs
Elementary and Secondary Education (schools, student programs, scholarship programs)
Higher Education (colleges, universities, scholarship programs)
Youth Development (tutoring programs, outdoor education, after-school development, childcare programs)
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Mental Health Care Programs
Health Care Services (disease research, alcohol & drug related programs)
Shelter & Residential Care (elder housing, homeless shelters, housing services, supportive housing)
Special Population Support (developmental disability services, homeless services, immigrant services, senior services, women’s services)
Geographic Area of Grant Focus
Grant awards are limited to organizations with offices in Santa Barbara County and are providing services to Santa Barbara County residents.
Applicant Eligibility
Organizations must be certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c) 3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
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Grants are not made:
To organizations discriminating against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientations or disability.
For propagandizing, influencing legislation and/or elections, promoting voter registration; for political candidates, political campaigns; for litigation.
For social or political issues outside the United States of America.
To individuals.
To federated appeals or for the collection of funds for redistribution to other nonprofit groups.
For conferences, workshops, temporary exhibits, travel, surveys, films or publishing activities.
For research.
Grants are generally not approved for:
Organizations in existence less than three (3) years.
National organizations without a local chapter operating within Santa Barbara County.
Refugee or religious programs or consumer interest.
