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

March 13, 2026 (Spring cycle) | October 9, 2026 (Fall cycle)

Up to $15,000 per award; grant period up to 1 year; partial funding is common

Supports nonprofit organizations in Santa Barbara County providing accessible, diverse, and high-quality performing arts opportunities through general operating or programmatic funding.

Only one application per organization per calendar year is allowed.

--- ## Description The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant, administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, aims to strengthen nonprofit organizations and build the capacity of the arts sector by supporting quality performing arts opportunities across Santa Barbara County. The program provides both general operating and programmatic support to eligible performing arts nonprofits. Priority is given to organizations that increase access to diverse and high-quality performing arts experiences, demonstrate organizational capacity and cultural competence, and work to remove barriers for low-income and marginalized populations. The grant also encourages collaborative projects that expand community access and supports the production, presentation, and preservation of works reflecting the county's demographic diversity. --- ## Due Dates - March 13, 2026: Spring cycle full application submission deadline - October 9, 2026: Fall cycle full application submission deadline Organizations may only apply once per calendar year, choosing the cycle that best fits their project or operational needs. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $15,000 per organization - Grant period: Up to 1 year from award date - Partial funding is common due to competitive demand - Final report due within 13 months of the grant award (preferably within 30 days after project completion) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Santa Barbara County. - Must be certified as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor holding 501(c)(3) status. - Organizations using a fiscal sponsor must provide additional documentation as outlined in the [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/eligibility-criteria-faqs/). - Only one application per organization (or per fiscal sponsor) is permitted per calendar year. - Projects must not be for debt, endowment, fundraising events, individuals, or reimbursement for activities prior to the grant award. - Faith-based organizations may apply if the project is secular and open to all. --- ## Application Process - Review the [program guidelines](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/tfpa-grant-guidelines/) and [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/eligibility-criteria-faqs/). - Prepare required materials, including organizational and project budgets, board roster, and (if applicable) fiscal sponsor documentation. - Complete and submit the application through the [Santa Barbara Foundation Grants Portal](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - Applications are reviewed by a committee with consideration for geographic spread, population served, organization size, and mission alignment. - Award notifications are typically made in late April (spring cycle) or mid-November (fall cycle). --- ## Additional Information - The grant scoring rubric emphasizes alignment with mission, financial stewardship, access and equity, collaboration, and cultural competence. - Collaborative projects are encouraged and may be submitted by a fiscal sponsor on behalf of a partnership. - Reporting requirements must be fulfilled to remain eligible for future funding. --- ## External Links - [Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant Guidelines](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/tfpa-grant-guidelines/) - [Download PDF Guidelines & Scoring Rubric](https://sbfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TFPA_Guidelines.pdf) - [Eligibility Criteria & FAQs](https://sbfoundation.org/nonprofits/eligibility-criteria-faqs/) - [Santa Barbara Foundation Grants Portal (Apply)](https://santabarbarafoundation.us-1.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Deanna Vallejo | Senior Program Officer | [dvallejo@sbfoundation.org](mailto:dvallejo@sbfoundation.org) | (805) 880-9385 | | Jessica Sanchez | Senior Director of Donor Relations | [jsanchez@sbfoundation.org](mailto:jsanchez@sbfoundation.org) | (805) 880-9366 | | Programs Department | General Inquiries | [programs@sbfoundation.org](mailto:programs@sbfoundation.org) | (805) 963-1873 |

Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts Grant

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