Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts

The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts is administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, an organization committed to strengthening nonprofit organizations and enhancing the capacity of the arts sector in Santa Barbara County. Through this grant program, the foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations that provide high-quality performing arts opportunities. The funding focus has shifted to emphasize general operating support as well as programmatic funding for performing arts nonprofits that meet eligibility criteria. The primary objective of this grant is to support nonprofit organizations that are addressing increased demand for performing arts programming. The foundation places particular importance on organizations demonstrating cultural competence within their staff, board, and volunteers. Additionally, the foundation seeks to fund organizations actively working to remove language, cultural, and economic barriers that limit access to performing arts for low-income and marginalized populations in Santa Barbara County. Funding from the Towbes Fund can be used for a range of activities, including general operating support, program-specific support, expansion of existing programs, and the development of pilot programs. Eligible projects should demonstrate a commitment to producing, preserving, and presenting exceptional works across artistic traditions while ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to Santa Barbara County’s diverse communities. Collaborative projects designed to enhance community access to performing arts opportunities are also encouraged. The maximum award amount available under this grant is $15,000. Organizations are allowed to apply once per calendar year, and awards are made for a period of up to one year. Due to competitive demand, applicants should anticipate the possibility of partial funding. Grantees are required to submit a final report within 13 months of receiving the award, preferably within 30 days of completing the funded project. To be eligible, organizations must serve Santa Barbara County and be certified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Fiscal sponsorship is permitted, provided the fiscal sponsor meets 501(c)(3) requirements. Applications missing a valid EIN will not be considered. The application process is fully online, and applicants must first register their organization and create a user profile through the Santa Barbara Foundation’s SmartSimple platform before submitting a grant application. The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts operates on a biannual funding cycle. For the Spring 2025 cycle, applications open on February 7, 2025, and must be submitted by March 14, 2025, with awards announced in mid-April. For the Fall 2025 cycle, applications open on September 5, 2025, with a submission deadline of October 10, 2025, and awards announced in mid-November. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Deanna Vallejo, Program Officer, at (805) 880-9385 or via email at Dvallejo@sbfoundation.org. Alternatively, applicants can also reach out to Jessica Sanchez, Senior Director of Donor Relations, at Jsanchez@sbfoundation.org.