Small Capacity Building Grant Program
The Small Capacity Building Grant helps Santa Barbara County nonprofits strengthen core functions through projects like evaluation, training, and strategic planning to boost their effectiveness and impact.
Funder: Santa Barbara Foundation
Due Dates: February 10, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | September 8, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $6,000 per grant; grant period up to one year; one application per organization per year.
Summary: Supports Santa Barbara County nonprofits to build organizational capacity and effectiveness through targeted projects, not ongoing expenses.
Key Information: Only one application per organization per calendar year; highly competitive; excludes staff salaries and ongoing program costs.
Description
The Small Capacity Building Grant Program is designed to help nonprofits serving Santa Barbara County strengthen their core organizational functions—such as strategy, leadership, operations, communications, and sustainability. Funding is intended for capacity-building projects like organizational development, strategic or succession planning, program evaluation, staff or board training, collaborative learning, small capital items, equipment, and defined projects (e.g., program design, strategic communications). The program does not fund ongoing program expenses, staff salaries, or general operating support. Grants are competitive, and proposals should clearly demonstrate need, readiness, and commitment to the project.
