Core/General Operating Support: Cycle II Grant

The Hutton Parker Foundation's Core/General Operating Support program is designed to enhance the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County. This unrestricted funding allows eligible 501(c)(3) organizations to support essential programs and administrative needs. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 aim to empower organizations to effectively serve their communities, particularly those impacting underserved populations. This initiative fosters operational strength and strategic growth for nonprofits, ensuring they can fulfill their missions successfully.

Cycle II: Designated for Civic & Community and Education Organizations. Note: Any organization awarded funding in 2024 is ineligible to apply for additional funding until 2026.
Organization Classification
Please note Hutton Parker Foundation’s organization classifications as follows:

• Civic & Community

Public Safety (abuse prevention/services, legal services, safety education, transportation)Community Recreation (camps, clubs, festivals, parks, playgrounds, libraries)Food Security (community food systems, food sovereignty)Environment (biodiversity, climate change, environmental education, public gardens)Animal Welfare (animal shelters & services, zoos)
Education
Adult Education (adult literacy, high school equivalency, continuing education)Early Childhood Education (infant – preschool education/childcare)Education Services (college preparation, computer literacy, out-of-school learning, literacy, student retention, tutoring, after-school educational programsElementary and Secondary Education (schools, student programs, scholarship programs)Higher Education (colleges, universities, scholarship programs)Youth Development (tutoring programs, outdoor education, after-school development, childcare programs)
Strategic Core/General Operating Support
Hutton Parker Foundation offers Core/General Operating Support to address the nonprofit sector’s need for strategic general operating support leading to increased organizational capacity and sustainability.
Core/General Operating Support is defined by Hutton Parker Foundation as unrestricted funding enabling an organization to carry out its mission. Funding awards are intended to underwrite administrative infrastructure, support increased agency capacity, assist with strategic financial and organizational capacity and/or help maintain core programs and essential staff.
Funds can be used at the discretion of the organization to cover day-to-day activities or ongoing expenses such as administrative salaries, utilities, office supplies, technology maintenance, etc., as well as for program costs, capital, technology purchases, and professional development. Funding and are designed as the working capital necessary to build robust organizations leading to greater impact in the Santa Barbara community. Hutton Parker Foundation considers a Core Support Grant an investment in an operationally strong nonprofit organization.
Funding
Applicants seeking Core/General Support are advised that grant awards range for a minimum $5,000 to a maximum $25,000 and not to exceed 10% of an applicant’s annual operating budget.

Eligibility

Grant awards are limited to organizations providing services to residents living in Santa Barbara County.Core/General Operating Support funding is limited to SANTA BARBARA COUNTY-based nonprofit (501(c)(3)) organizations only.Organizations must be certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c) 3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.In addition to meeting the Foundations’ general eligibility criteria, Core/General Operating Support requests will be considered for established and well-managed organizations.

Ineligibility

Grants are not made:To organizations discriminating against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientations or disability.
For propagandizing, influencing legislation and/or elections, promoting voter registration; for political candidates, political campaigns; for litigation.
For social or political issues outside the United States of America.
To individuals.
To federated appeals or for the collection of funds for redistribution to other nonprofit groups.
For conferences, workshops, temporary exhibits, travel, surveys, films or publishing activities.
For research.Grants are generally not approved for:Organizations in existence less than three (3) years.
National organizations without a local chapter operating within Santa Barbara County.
Projects or programs normally financed by government sources.
Refugee or religious programs or consumer interest.