Montecito Community Foundation General Grants

Geographic Scope: Projects located in Montecito, defined as within the boundaries of the Montecito Fire Protection District and Coast Village Road

Eligibility:

• Entities exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
• Community organizations only (not individuals)

Funding Focus Areas:

• Public safety and property protection (traffic improvements, fire protection, flood control, earthquake and disaster preparedness)
• Community fostering projects and events (community celebrations, events honoring individuals or groups, community involvement initiatives)
• Public information and education (public forums, library resources, public resource information services)
• Beautification and improvement of public roads, parks, local government properties, and public places
• Improvement and acquisition of recreational facilities (parks, open spaces, beach-side entrances, trail heads, trails)
• Community maintenance and preservation (clean-up days, roadside maintenance)
• Capital projects and unique needs for local governmental entities

What the Foundation Does NOT Fund:

• Projects related to electoral campaigns or influencing legislation
• Projects with private (versus public) benefits
• Projects located outside the Montecito Fire Protection District and Coast Village Road
• Annual operating expenses
• Direct support of public or private educational institutions
• Direct support of religious institutions
• Direct grants to individuals

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5001, Santa Barbara, CA 93150
• Tax ID: 6149983

Meeting Schedule:

• Grant Committee meets approximately 30 days prior to Board meetings
• Board generally meets every other month

Grant Application Process

1. Complete the online Grant Application - available on the foundation website
2. Provide Required Information:
   • Description of the proposed project
   • Details on how the grant will be spent
   • Documentation about the organization
   • Purpose of the grant
   • Anticipated budget
   • Any supplementary information supporting the funding request
3. Grant Committee Review - Your application will be reviewed at the Grant Committee's next meeting (typically held ~30 days before Board meetings)
4. Committee Meeting Invitation - Your designated representative may be invited to attend the committee meeting to discuss the funding request
5. Committee Recommendation - The Grant Committee makes a funding recommendation to the Foundation's Board of Trustees
6. Board Review - Your request and the committee's recommendation are considered at the next Board meeting (generally held every other month)
7. Board Meeting Presentation - A representative from your organization will be invited to attend the Board meeting to provide additional information and answer questions

Important Notes

• Contact the Montecito Community Foundation before applying to determine if your request is within the scope of the foundation's mission and guidelines
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline (typically 2 weeks before the scheduled committee meeting) to be considered at that meeting