Small Capacity Building Grant Program

The Small Capacity Building Grant Program is a focused funding initiative of the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing the well-being of communities across Santa Barbara County. SBF’s grantmaking processes are informed by a strong foundation of research, community consultation, and expertise from volunteers and staff. The Foundation uses endowment earnings and donor contributions to support local nonprofits through several targeted funding streams, including this specific program aimed at increasing organizational capacity. The Small Capacity Building Grant Program is designed to help nonprofits build or strengthen the internal capacity required to fulfill their missions effectively. The program acknowledges that strong nonprofits have solid strategies, leadership, operations, and communication practices. By providing funding support for strategic improvements and one-time expenses related to capacity building, the Foundation helps nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County increase their impact. Grants are not intended to support ongoing programmatic costs or staff salaries but instead fund initiatives such as strategic planning, contingency planning, cybersecurity, training, and targeted marketing. Capital items such as software purchases or small infrastructure improvements may also be eligible if directly tied to enhancing the organization's ability to serve its clients. Each year, the Foundation accepts applications during four specific cycles. For the 2026 grant year, deadlines fall on February 10, May 12, July 14, and September 8. All applications must be submitted through SBF’s SmartSimple online platform. The maximum grant award per applicant is $6,000, and each organization may apply only once per calendar year. Applicants can expect to receive a funding decision within approximately eight weeks following each deadline. The award period extends up to one year, with final reports due within 13 months of award notification. Eligibility for the program is restricted to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations or those using a qualified fiscal sponsor. Public institutions, such as libraries and schools, may also apply through a qualifying affiliate. Applicants must serve communities within Santa Barbara County, and those based outside the region must show strong local partnerships or familiarity with community needs. The Foundation may allow fiscal sponsors to apply on behalf of both themselves and one additional collaborative project per calendar year. The grant application process is conducted entirely online. Organizations begin by registering or updating their profile on the SmartSimple platform, a step that can take up to one business day to be processed. After approval, users can access the application form via the “Funding Opportunities” portal within the system. A detailed budget is strongly encouraged, along with supporting documentation such as consultant proposals, pricing documents, MOUs, or needs assessments. A final report is required post-project, and future funding may be contingent on timely reporting. Applicants are urged to clearly articulate the need, commitment, and readiness for the proposed project, as the grant is highly competitive. To assist applicants, the Foundation offers in-person office hours prior to deadlines and encourages early outreach to staff, especially Maria Caudillo, Community Engagement Coordinator, who serves as the primary contact for the program. Proposals that align strongly with the Foundation’s impact priorities and demonstrate clear, actionable plans for capacity growth are most likely to be successful.

Clearly state need, readiness, and commitment to strengthen your proposal.