The small grants are agency grants used to sustain and strengthen the organization rather than grants restricted to specific programs, capital, or gap needs. Because smaller agencies have small staffs, the application process is streamlined, but eligible agencies must have programs that align with The Women’s Fund’s mission to address the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.

The small grants pilot pool for 2026 is $100,000, and grants of either $10,000 or $25,000 will be awarded. Grants will be awarded for a period of one year, after which the grantees will report on how the funds were used to further their agency’s mission

The application period for small grants was June 1-30, 2026, and eligible agencies applied via the Women’s Fund website or the NPRN website. Grantees were announced November 9. Between July 1 and November 9, the Small Grants Committee reviewed the applications, validated agency eligibility, and developed a ballot and ballot information packet. Ballot information packets were sent to members in mid-September, and members voted October 1-10. We did not host a Ballot Review Meeting event and there was no group voting. All 2025 contributing members received an emailed information packet and worksheet to aid their selection, and members voted individually.

For the first time, the Women’s Fund provided small grants to small non-profit agencies in south Santa Barbara County in 2026.

Since 2004, our traditional grants of $50,000 or more have had a major impact on Santa Barbara’s larger community agencies. Yet, smaller agencies also serve important community needs. In surveys conducted in 2025, our members expressed a desire to offer more flexible grants, and our research team, as well community input, pointed to a need to support smaller agencies.

Since 2004, our traditional grants of $50,000 or more have had a major impact on Santa Barbara’s larger community agencies. Yet, smaller agencies also serve important community needs. In surveys conducted in 2025, our members expressed a desire to offer more flexible grants, and our research team, as well community input, pointed to a need to support smaller agencies.

The Small Grants Committee will provide a recommendation to the Women’s Fund Board, which will decide by February 2027 whether to continue this grant program.

The Small Grants Committee will provide a recommendation to the Women’s Fund Board, which will decide by February 2027 whether to continue this grant program.