Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant

Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Santa Barbara Foundation
Amount: Up to US $15,000
Last Updated: January 29, 2026

Summary

The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, offers up to $15,000 in funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County. This grant supports various activities, including program expansion and general operating costs, especially for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are accepted annually, and priority is given to organizations that demonstrate community engagement and cultural competence.

Overview

Focus The Santa Barbara Foundation is committed to strengthening nonprofit organizations and building the capacity of the arts social sector through the support of Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts. Grants will be available to nonprofit organizations seeking to further their mission of providing quality performing art opportunities. The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts seeks to invest in, nurture, and grow the arts sector by offering support for performances of a higher caliber. In response to the COVID-19 crisis and to support organizations that have been affected by the pandemic, funding from the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts has shifted and will be available to qualifying performing arts nonprofit organizations for general operating support. Types of Support Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grants are available for a variety of activities in the following areas: Expansion of existing programsPilot ProgramsOrganizations that seek to produce, present and preserve exceptional works from a variety of artistic traditions, and ensure opportunities for participation that reflect the demographic diversity of Santa Barbara CountyCollaborative efforts to leverage community access to performing arts opportunitiesGeneral operating support Funding Amounts and Duration The maximum award for the Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts is $15,000. An organization can apply once per calendar year. Due to the increasingly competitive nature of the grant program, partial funding is likely to be awarded. The grant period is up to one year from the award. A final report is required and is due within 13 months of the grant award, preferably no later than 30 days following the project completion.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Towbes Fund for Performing Arts Grant are available to organizations serving all regions of Santa Barbara County.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.

Ineligibility

Applications that do not contain a valid EIN (tax ID) number will not be considered.Towbes Fund for Performing Arts Grants are not for:Capital Items or EquipmentOne-time events, including recurring annual eventsFundraising eventScholarships