[Santa Barbara Foundation](https://sbfoundation.org)

September 17, 2025 (full application due)

Up to $15,000 per grant; one-year grant period

Supports nonprofit child care providers in Santa Barbara County to strengthen early care programs, workforce, and family engagement for children ages 0–5.

--- ## Description This grant aims to address the critical shortage of quality child care in Santa Barbara County by supporting nonprofit providers and organizations that enable the success of early care and education programs for children from birth to age five. Funding is focused on building sector resiliency, developing the child care workforce, fostering sustainable business models, and promoting family engagement. Grants are designed to help providers increase organizational capacity, improve leadership, and implement strategies for equitable access and support for special populations. --- ## Due Dates - September 17, 2025: Full application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award per grant: **$15,000** - Grant duration: Up to one year from award date - The review panel may adjust award amounts at its discretion. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be certified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or apply through a qualified 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. - Public entities (schools, universities, libraries) may apply through an affiliated or supporting 501(c)(3) organization. - The funded child care provider must: - Serve children ages 0–5 in Santa Barbara County - Be fully licensed by the State of California and in compliance with all applicable codes - Organizations not directly providing child care may apply if they provide direct services to children/families of a provider, or professional development/training to provider staff, with a formal agreement in place. - Organizations must not discriminate in their service delivery. - Child Care grants do **not** support scholarships, general operating support, or reimbursement for activities/purchases prior to the award date. --- ## Application Process - Applications are accepted **online only** via the [Santa Barbara Foundation’s SmartSimple platform](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - Registration on the platform is required; organizations must complete an organization profile before submitting an application. - Only one application per eligible organization per calendar year is allowed. - Application steps: 1. Register your organization and create a user profile on the SmartSimple platform. 2. Complete the organization profile (required for application access). 3. Complete and submit the grant application online by the deadline. 4. You will receive an automatic email confirmation upon successful submission. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to proposals that: - Increase workforce pathway and skill development for early care professionals - Foster organizational business models to retain/support the child care workforce - Support child health, nutrition, and social-emotional well-being in diverse, language-rich environments - Demonstrate best practices in parent engagement and progress toward quality standards (e.g., QRIS, NAEYC) - Show alignment with community-wide child development goals - Reporting requirements will be specified in the award letter; failure to report may affect future eligibility. --- ## External Links - [Grant Guidelines & Program Page](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/child-care-grant-guidelines/) - [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](http://www.sbfoundation.org/eligibility-criteria-faqs) - [Application Portal (SmartSimple)](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Santa Barbara Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|---------------| | Beatriz Garcia | Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships | bgarcia@sbfoundation.org | (805) 880-9382 | | Programs Department Team | General inquiries | Programs@SBFoundation.org | (805) 963-1873 | For questions about the suitability of your proposal or the application process, contact Beatriz Garcia before drafting your application. For technical assistance with the online portal, reach out to the Programs Department Team.

2025 Child Care Grant Guidelines

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