Child care facility support grants are open to eligible providers across Santa Barbara County to improve access to safe, high-quality early learning environments for young children. The funding is designed to help child care organizations strengthen operations, expand services, and better support working families who rely on dependable early care.
About the Santa Barbara Child Support Grant
These grants are coordinated through the Santa Barbara Foundation to address gaps in licensed child care availability and to help nonprofit providers enhance the quality and sustainability of their services. The initiative supports projects that improve provider capacity, workforce readiness, family engagement, and equitable access to early education. A related scholarship component also assists families by reducing the financial burden of child care through approved nonprofit partners.
Funding Size
- Child care facility improvement grants: up to $15,000 per organization
- Child care scholarship grants for family support: up to $50,000 depending on scope and eligibility
Who Can Apply
- Licensed nonprofit child care providers serving children within Santa Barbara County
- Nonprofit organizations that offer training, support, or direct services to child care providers
- Organizations must hold valid 501(c)(3) status or operate under a qualified fiscal sponsor
Geographic Eligibility
- Santa Barbara County only
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Sector or Thematic Focus
Supported projects typically address:
- Organizational capacity building for early care providers
- Workforce and leadership development in child care settings
- Family partnership and engagement strategies
- Quality learning environments for children from birth to age five
- Long-term sustainability and equitable access to licensed care
Application Process
Applicants submit proposals through the foundation’s online grants system after completing an organizational profile. The proposal should clearly outline the child care challenges being addressed, planned activities, expected outcomes, and how the funding will improve services for children and families.
Required Materials
- Online application form completed through the grants portal
- Proof of nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship documentation
- Project narrative explaining goals and implementation plan
- Detailed budget and justification aligned with program priorities
- Partnership documentation where services involve multiple organizations
Key Dates
- Scholarship grant deadline: April 30, 2026
- Child care facility support grant deadline: September 1, 2026
- Award notifications follow the foundation’s review timeline
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Selection Notes
Applications are reviewed based on alignment with child care improvement priorities, feasibility of the proposed plan, organizational readiness, and potential to increase quality and access for families. Projects that demonstrate workforce development and family support outcomes often receive strong consideration.