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

September 17, 2025 (Full application due)

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

Supports Santa Barbara County nonprofits to strengthen early childhood care and education through workforce development, family engagement, and leadership initiatives.

For nonprofit child care providers and organizations serving children ages 0–5 in Santa Barbara County.

--- ## Description This grant supports nonprofit organizations and direct service providers working to enhance the early care and education system for children ages 0–5 in Santa Barbara County. Funding aims to address the county's shortage of licensed child care spaces and improve quality by strengthening organizational capacity, developing the child care workforce, supporting family engagement, and promoting leadership in areas such as equitable access and support for special populations. Priority is given to initiatives that build the workforce, foster sustainable business models, encourage effective family engagement, and advance leadership in the sector. --- ## Due Dates - September 17, 2025: Application deadline (full application due) - Award notification: November 2025 - Final report deadline: December 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $15,000 per grant - Grant period: Up to one year from the award date - The review panel may adjust award amounts at its discretion --- ## Eligibility - 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) status. - Applicants must provide services in Santa Barbara County. - Public entities (schools, universities, libraries) may apply through a supporting 501(c)(3) organization. - The funded child care provider must be fully licensed by the State of California for the age groups served and in compliance with relevant codes. - If not a direct provider, applicants must deliver direct services to children/families of a provider or offer professional development/training to provider staff, with a formal agreement in place. - Organizations must not discriminate in service delivery. - Only one application per organization per calendar year. **Not Funded:** - Scholarships, general operating support, services not related to early care/education, or reimbursement for past activities. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Santa Barbara Foundation’s SmartSimple platform](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - New users must register and create an organization profile before accessing the application. - All required information, including EIN (tax ID), must be provided. - Applications must be complete and submitted by the deadline; incomplete or late applications will not be considered. - Applicants will receive an automatic email receipt upon submission. - Review and decision process takes place from late September to November, with follow-up questions as needed. - Reporting requirements will be specified in the award letter. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects that: - Increase the child care workforce and support professional development - Foster organizational sustainability and leadership - Support child health, nutrition, and social-emotional well-being - Demonstrate best practices in family engagement - Participate in or plan for QRIS or NAEYC accreditation - Align with community-wide child development goals - For eligibility and FAQ details, see the [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](http://www.sbfoundation.org/eligibility-criteria-faqs). - For licensing questions, contact Community Care Licensing at (805) 562-0400. --- ## External Links - [2025 Child Care Grant Guidelines](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/child-care-grant-guidelines/) - [Santa Barbara Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/grant-opportunities/) - [Application Portal (SmartSimple)](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](http://www.sbfoundation.org/eligibility-criteria-faqs) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Department | Email | Phone | |----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------| | Beatriz Garcia, Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships | bgarcia@sbfoundation.org | (805) 963-1873 | | Programs Department Team | Programs@SBFoundation.org | (805) 963-1873 | | General Inquiries | info@sbfoundation.org | (805) 963-1873 | For specific questions about your proposal, contact Beatriz Garcia. For technical or portal assistance, reach out to the Programs Department Team.

2025 Child Care Grant Guidelines

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