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 non-profit 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 non-profit 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 qualified 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.