Small Capacity Building Grant Program
This funding initiative provides up to $6,000 to nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County to strengthen their internal operations and enhance service delivery for the communities they serve.
The Small Capacity Building Grant Program is a funding initiative managed by the Santa Barbara Foundation, a private community foundation dedicated to enhancing the well-being of Santa Barbara County residents. This grant aims to support nonprofit organizations by strengthening their internal capacity and operational effectiveness, recognizing that well-run organizations lead to better outcomes for the communities they serve. The program awards up to $6,000 for a project period of one year. It is structured to be responsive and flexible, with four opportunities annually to apply: February 11, May 13, July 15, and September 9. Proposals are reviewed within six to eight weeks of submission. Applicants may submit only one application per calendar year. Funding can support strategic planning, feasibility studies, succession planning, staff or board training, program evaluation, and development of communication strategies. Small capital purchases that enhance the organization’s service delivery may also be considered. However, the grant does not fund general operating expenses, staff salaries, fundraising events, or tuition for specific programs. Eligible applicants include nonprofits certified under Section 501(c)(3), fiscally sponsored organizations, and public institutions applying through an affiliated nonprofit. All applicants must serve communities within Santa Barbara County. Organizations not based in the county must demonstrate engagement with local partners and a clear understanding of the regional landscape. Fiscal sponsors may submit one application on behalf of themselves and one for a sponsored group per year. Applications must be submitted online via the Santa Barbara Foundation’s SmartSimple platform. To access the platform, users must first register and complete their organization profile. After approval, they may fill out and submit their grant application, adhering to all character count limits and including any necessary supporting documentation such as budgets, vendor proposals, or MOUs. Questions about the program should be directed to Maria Caudillo, Community Engagement Coordinator, at mcaudillo@SBFoundation.org or (805) 963-1873. Applications received after the quarterly deadline will be reviewed during the next cycle. The final deadline for 2025 is September 9. Recipients are required to submit a final report within 13 months of receiving funding, ideally within 30 days of project completion.
Award Range
Not specified - $6,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Awards up to $6,000 for nonprofit capacity-building such as strategic planning, training, or capital items. No general ops or salaries.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Organizations must be certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or use a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) tax status. Applications that do not contain a valid EIN (tax ID) number will not be considered. Organizations using a fiscal sponsor must review the Eligibility Criteria & FAQs for additional information and instructions. The foundation accepts applications from public entities such as schools, universities, and libraries through an affiliate or supporting 501(c)(3) organization. Please see the Eligibility Criteria & FAQs for additional qualifying information and instructions. An agency acting as the fiscal sponsor on behalf of a community collaborative may be eligible to submit proposals on behalf of its own agency needs as well as the needs of the collaborative. Please contact Maria Caudillo, Community Engagement Coordinator, at mcaudillo@SBFoundation.org for more information and to discuss your specific situation. A fiscal sponsor may submit one application on behalf of their organization and one application acting as a fiscal sponsor per grant program in a calendar year. All applicants must be serving communities within Santa Barbara County. Nonprofits based outside Santa Barbara County should demonstrate knowledge of the local landscape in their issue area and are encouraged to engage local partners/stakeholders.
Geographic Eligibility
Santa Barbara County (CA)
Put forward your most compelling project. Prepare a detailed budget. Ensure all character limits are respected.
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
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