Small Capacity Building Grant Program

The Small Capacity Building Grant Program, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, is designed to strengthen the organizational capacity and effectiveness of nonprofits serving communities within Santa Barbara County. The Santa Barbara Foundation, a private philanthropic institution based in Santa Barbara, California, provides this funding to support organizations in becoming more efficient, resilient, and better equipped to fulfill their missions. With a focus on strategic development, the foundation encourages nonprofits to build operational strength, leadership, communication, and sustainability. The grant supports specific capacity-building activities rather than general operating expenses. Eligible uses include strategic planning, leadership development, feasibility studies, organizational collaborations, emergency or business continuity planning, and cybersecurity assessments. The program also allows for small capital expenditures, including equipment purchases that directly support local program implementation. However, grants cannot be used for staff salaries, ongoing program costs, fundraising events, or items intended for resale or one-time events unless they support collaborative learning. Consulting services, oversight, and project management expenses are permissible when they directly relate to eligible capacity-building projects. This grant opportunity is competitive, and successful proposals clearly articulate the organization's readiness, need, and commitment to the proposed project. The grant program is offered four times a year, with annual deadlines typically in February, May, July, and September. In 2026, the specific deadlines are February 10, May 12, July 14, and September 8. The application must be submitted online through the Santa Barbara Foundation’s SmartSimple grants management system. Applicants must first create an Organization Profile in the platform, which can take up to 24 hours for approval before grant applications become accessible. Only one Small Capacity Building Grant application may be submitted per organization per calendar year. Eligible applicants include nonprofits certified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or those with a qualified fiscal sponsor. Public entities such as schools and libraries may apply through a supporting 501(c)(3) organization. Fiscal sponsors can submit one application for their organization and another on behalf of a sponsored entity per grant cycle. Applicants must serve Santa Barbara County communities, and those based outside the county must demonstrate familiarity with the local context and partnerships. Applications must be submitted through the SmartSimple online portal, and the foundation does not accept paper submissions. Once submitted, applicants receive email confirmation of receipt. Final decisions are issued within eight weeks of the application deadline. The grant term lasts up to one year from the award date, and grantees must submit a final report within 13 months. Failure to submit this report may impact eligibility for future funding. For questions or proposal suitability, applicants are encouraged to contact Maria Caudillo, the Community Engagement Coordinator, at mcaudillo@SBFoundation.org. Additionally, the foundation provides in-person office hours ahead of each grant deadline for organizations to meet with staff, clarify questions, and refine their applications. These engagements help ensure that projects align with program goals and funding priorities.

Clearly state need, readiness, and commitment to strengthen your proposal.