Small Capacity Building Grant Program

The Small Capacity Building Grant Program awards are aimed at strengthening the organizational capacity and programmatic effectiveness of nonprofit organizations serving communities within Santa Barbara County. Donor Name: Santa Barbara Foundation State: California County: Santa Barbara County (CA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  06/11/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Foundation believes organizations are more effective when they are equipped with thoughtful strategy, strong leadership, sound operations and compelling communication. It is hope that this funding helps organizations strengthen these fundamentals in support of their mission and better programmatic outcomes. The Foundation may also consider funding small capital expenditures.  Types of Support The Santa Barbara Foundation has established the following guidelines for its Small Capacity Building grants in the following areas. Organizational development and capacity building (i.e. campaign feasibility studies, strategic planning, succession planning, program evaluation, exploratory strategic alliances/collaborations, emergency/business continuity planning) Staff, board, or volunteer training and development as well as collaborative learning opportunities Small capital items and equipment that specifically allow your staff to serve clients and fulfill its mission Defined projects such as program design/piloting as well as strategic marketing, communications or development plans. NOTE: While consulting services, project oversight and other costs related to the proposed project are welcome, these small grants are not intended to support staff salaries/positions. (e.g. hiring a development director, covering staff hours to attend meetings, etc.) Funding Information The maximum award for Small Capacity Building Grant is $6,000.  The grant period is up to one year from the award date. Eligibility Criteria 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. The foundation accepts applications from public entities such as schools, universities, and libraries through an affiliate or supporting 501(c)(3) organization. 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. 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. Small Capacity Grants are available for organizations serving all regions of Santa Barbara County. Grant Limitations Small Capacity Building Grants are NOT made for: Multiple projects within a single application General operating support (staff salaries, rent, utilities, etc.) Program expansion or support for existing programs Fundraising events Endowment funds Reimbursement of expenses already expended One-time events, including recurring annual events (other than collaborative learning opportunities) Tuition requests for Leading From Within programs (The foundation directly supports scholarship opportunities through its partnership with Leading From Within.) For more information, visit SBF.