Funding Priorities Statement
The County of Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors values the accountability, customer service and efficiency of local nonprofit agencies and their volunteers in serving the basic needs of its vulnerable populations. Since 1977, the County has partnered with nonprofit agencies to improve the lives of the people of Santa Barbara County. In order to assure that the County Human Services Commission funds are allocated in areas with the greatest need, the Commission analyzed data, sent a questionnaire to approximately 650 programs, and held three public hearings throughout the County. In addition, a special task force investigated the growing needs of northern Santa Barbara County.
The Human Services Commission invites all nonprofit agencies that serve residents of Santa Barbara County to apply for a grant. The Commission has identified proposed priorities in recommending programs for funding:
SERVICE PRIORITIES
- Access to services that support individuals and strengthen families (e.g. information and referral services, family resource centers)
- Advocacy for services that support individuals and strengthen families (e.g. legal services, ombudsman services)
- Crisis intervention
- Food
- Mental health treatment
- Protection from violence, abuse and neglect
- Shelter
- Substance abuse treatment
Priority Populations
- Children and youth
- Homeless
- Older Adults
- People in rural areas of Santa Barbara County
Special Considerations
- Collaborative proposals
- New programs that specifically address one or more of our service priorities
- Programs that require a local government match
- Programs that facilitate access to children’s health and wellness services
