SMALL GRANTS PILOT PROGRAM
In response to Women’s Fund members and community feedback, the new Small Grants Pilot Program recognizes that supporting small, effective agencies can broaden the impact of our grantmaking.
Agencies with annual revenues of up to $500,000 that share our mission to support women, children and families in south Santa Barbara County can apply for an unrestricted grant of either $10,000 or $25,000. These agency grants will be awarded in November 2026, from a pilot year small grants pool of up to $100,000.
Important Facts:
- Eligible small agencies can submit applications June 1 through June 30, 2026. A committee will review applications and prepare a ballot of qualified agencies.
- The grants will be unrestricted grants that help the agency fulfill its mission.
- Basic agency eligibility includes:
- Support of the Women's Fund mission.
- Support of one or more of the community priorities identified by Women's Fund members: Housing, Family Support, Mental Health, Early Childhood Support, Health Care, Youth Support, Education, Personal Safety, Food Security and Nutrition.
- Annual agency revenue of up to $500,000.
- IRS approval or a quilified fiscal agent.
- Every Women's Fund member who contributed in 2025 will vote individually on the ballot in the fall of 2026. There is no group voting for small grants.
- Grantees of the Small Grants Pilot Program will be announced in early November and funds will be issued in November.
Click below for a Small Grants Program application.