2025 Child Care Grant Guidelines
This grant supports projects that improve early care and education quality, workforce, and equity for children ages 0–5 in Santa Barbara County.
Funder: Santa Barbara Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per award; grant period up to one year.
Summary: Supports nonprofit and direct service organizations in Santa Barbara County to strengthen the quality and capacity of early care and education for children ages 0–5.
Key Information: Only fully licensed child care providers or direct service organizations serving providers/children 0–5 are eligible.
Description
This grant opportunity is designed to increase the quality, capacity, and resiliency of early care and education in Santa Barbara County. Funding is focused on nonprofit child care providers and direct service organizations supporting children from birth to five years old. The program aims to address the shortage of licensed child care spaces, enhance the child care workforce, foster supportive business models, promote family engagement, and build leadership in areas such as equitable access and support for special populations.
Priority is given to projects that:
- Expand or strengthen the child care workforce and leadership,
- Support organizational business models for sustainability,
- Advance family engagement and child health/well-being,
- Promote equitable access and inclusion for diverse and special populations.
