SBF: Small Capacity Building Grant Program

SBF: Small Capacity Building Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Santa Barbara Foundation
Amount: Up to US $6,000
Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Summary

The Small Capacity Building Grant Program by the Santa Barbara Foundation aims to enhance the effectiveness of local nonprofits by providing grants of up to $6,000. These funds can strengthen organizational capacity through strategic planning, training, and small capital expenditures. The Foundation encourages applications from tax-exempt organizations and emphasizes the importance of clearly stating project needs and readiness. With a competitive selection process, this program supports initiatives that align with the mission of enhancing community outcomes.

Overview

What is the Small Capacity Building Grant Program? The Small Capacity Building Grant Program awards grants with a short review period aimed at strengthening the organizational capacity and effectiveness of Santa Barbara County nonprofits. The Foundation believes organizations are more effective when they are equipped with thoughtful strategy, strong leadership, sound operations and compelling communication. It is our 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. To provide flexibility and assist applicants in their planning, the Foundation offers ten opportunities through November to apply. Organizations may submit one Small Capacity Building Grant application per calendar year. Small Capacity Building Grants are very competitive. The Foundation receives many more requests than it can fund. Proposals with the best chance of being funded clearly state the need, readiness, and commitment to the project. Funding Amounts and Duration The maximum award for Small Capacity Building Grant is $6,000. The grant period is up to one year from the award date. A final report is required and due within 13 months of the grant award, preferably no later than 30 days following the project completion. 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, 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.) Please contact SBF staff if you would like further clarification.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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. Organizations using a fiscal sponsor must review the Eligibility Criteria & FAQs for additional information and instructions.The foundation accepts applications from public entities such as schools, universities, and libraries through an affiliate or supporting 501(c)(3) organization. Please see the Eligibility Criteria & FAQs for additional qualifying information and instructions.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. PPlease contact a member of the Community Engagement team for more information and to discuss your specific situation.Small Capacity Grants are available for organizations serving all regions of Santa Barbara County.

Ineligibility

Small Capacity Building Grants are not made for:General operating supportProgram expansion or support for existing programsFundraising eventsEndowment fundsReimbursement of expenses already expendedOne-time events, including recurring annual eventsTuition requests for Leading From Within programs (The foundation directly supports scholarship opportunities through its partnership with Leading From Within.) Applications that do not contain a valid EIN (tax ID) number will not be considered.