CDBG & Human Services
The City of Santa Barbara’s CDBG & Human Services grant funds research-backed projects and services improving housing, infrastructure, and well-being for low- and moderate-income residents.
Funder: City of Santa Barbara
Due Dates (Anticipated): November 2026 (Mandatory Capital & Economic Development workshop) | December 2026 (Capital & Economic Development full application deadline) | February 2027 (Human Services / Public Service application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Approx. $2.5M annually across CDBG & Human Services; typical capital grants up to $245K; Human Services/Public Service grants range from $9K–$65K per program; most awards are for one or two years.
Summary: Funds local nonprofits and eligible entities for projects and services benefiting low- and moderate-income Santa Barbara residents, including capital improvements, housing, economic development, and direct human services.
Key Information: Attendance at the Capital/Economic Development application workshop is mandatory for those applicants; Human Services/Public Service grants are awarded on a two-year cycle.
Description
The City of Santa Barbara’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Human Services programs provide annual competitive funding to local nonprofit organizations and eligible entities for activities that address the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. The programs support direct human services (such as food, shelter, and medical care), capital improvements, housing rehabilitation, public facilities, infrastructure upgrades, and economic development initiatives.
The CDBG program is federally funded through HUD and focuses on developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, expanding economic opportunities, and improving living environments. The Human Services program, funded by the City’s General Fund, supports organizations that deliver essential social services directly to city residents.
Funding priorities include:
- Homeless assistance and prevention
- Affordable and decent housing
- Public facilities and infrastructure improvements
- Economic development and microenterprise support
- Programs addressing basic human needs (food, shelter, medical/mental health)
- Initiatives reducing the impact of violence and supporting at-risk populations
