Nonprofit organizations across Santa Barbara County are carrying an incredible weight right now. As they work tirelessly to care for our neighbors, many are grappling with shrinking resources, sudden shifts in funding priorities, and the ripple effects of changing policies. These challenges are especially acute for organizations serving immigrant communities, where the need for food, shelter, healthcare, and legal support continues to grow—often in the face of fear, trauma, and uncertainty.
In response, the Santa Barbara Foundation has launched the Critical Needs Response Fund to provide timely, flexible support to nonprofits experiencing financial disruptions or increased demand for services. This responsive grant opportunity is designed to help organizations continue delivering essential services and strengthen their capacity to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
We encourage nonprofits in the county to click the button below to review eligibility guidelines and submit applications through our Smart Simple portal. If you have questions or need support during the application process, our Programs Team is here to help. Email us or call (805) 963-1873.
About the Fund
Grant Amounts: $10,000 to $50,000.
Use of Funds: Unrestricted.
Application Deadlines: Rolling basis until funds are expended.
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored entities serving Santa Barbara County that have experienced substantial funding loss or increased service demand due to policy shifts.
