CDBG & Human Services
Santa Barbara’s CDBG and Human Services grants fund research-based projects improving affordable housing, public facilities, and economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income residents.
Funder: City of Santa Barbara
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026: Mandatory Application Online Workshop for Capital/Economic Development applicants (projected) | December 2026: Capital/Economic Development application submission deadline (projected)
Funding Amounts: Total pool approx. $1.6M/year; Capital/Economic Development grants: ~$560,000/year; Human Services/Public Service grants: ~$850,000/year (typical individual awards: $9,000–$133,000; most $10k–$75k; 1–2 year terms)
Summary: Supports local nonprofits and projects serving low- and moderate-income Santa Barbara residents through social services, affordable housing, public facilities, and economic development initiatives.
Key Information: Application workshop is mandatory for Capital/Economic Development applicants; Human Services/Public Service grants run on a two-year cycle.
Description
The City of Santa Barbara’s Human Services and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs provide competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies delivering critical services and infrastructure improvements for low- and moderate-income residents. The Human Services program funds direct social services (e.g., food, shelter, mental and physical health, violence prevention), while the CDBG program supports capital projects, affordable housing rehabilitation, public facilities, infrastructure, and economic development activities. Funding priorities are set by city and federal plans, emphasizing urgent community needs such as homelessness, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
