FOUNDATION

In 1962, the Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation was established as a 501(c)3 organization to primarily support local projects in the Santa Barbara area.

Since 1987 the foundation has donated over 1.5 million dollars to over 120 organizations in support of programs designed to improve the quality of life for youth, seniors, and the disadvantaged.

We have also contributed to the vibrancy of the Santa Barbara community by helping to fund organizations that provide art, music, theater, school programs, and scholarships.

The Foundation is composed of all of the members of the Santa Barbara Rotary Club. We are governed by a nine member Board of Directors serving four year terms. A Grant Committee reviews grant applications and an Investment Committee oversees the Investment Fund.

MAKE A DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION

 
The Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation is a registered 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non-profit. Our EIN number is 95-6060206 . Checks should be made payable to Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation. Our mailing address is:
Santa Barbara Charitable Foundation
P.O. Box 6268
Santa Barbara, CA 93160

APPLY FOR A GRANT

Charitable organizations which are 501(c)3 entities may seek a grant by filling out the Common Grant Application by clicking the Common Grant Application link below. Please note, to be considered for a grant, the request must be submitted via this application.
 
 
 
We are excited to announce that the application process for the 2027 grant cycle is now open! The Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation, with a proud history since 1962 and over $1.5 million donated to community projects, is seeking nominations for organizations that align with our focus areas for 2027 grants.
 
2027 Grant Information:
 
  • $34,000 awarded in six grants: two at $7,000 and four at $5,000
  • Open to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Santa Barbara County, as long as the project fits within the mission of Rotary
  • A Rotary nomination is not required, but nominated organizations receive priority consideration
  • Applications close Friday, February 5, 2027 at 5:00 PM PT
  • Submit to SantaBarbaraRotaryClub@gmail.com with "2027 Grant Application" in the subject line

 

2027 Eligibility and Focus Areas


Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Santa Barbara County may apply, as long as the proposed project fits within the mission of Rotary: “We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.” Example focus areas (projects are not limited to these):

  • Arts & Culture | Museums, historical preservation, performing arts, arts education
  • Civic & Community | Public safety, recreation, food security, environment, animal welfare
  • Education | Adult education, early childhood, literacy, K–12 programs, higher education
  • Health & Human Services |Mental health care, healthcare services, housing & shelter, immigrant/senior/women’s services, programs for youth development

CLUB MEETINGS

First and third Thursday of each month.
12:00 Noon PST

(See Calendar for schedule)

FOUNDATION DIRECTORS

Bob Fatch, Chair
Andrew Hicks, Assistant Chair
Donald Jack, Treasurer
Kathleen Blake, Secretary
Jim Stretchberry
Aruni Boteju
David Shea
Van Do-Reynoso
Jennifer LeMert, Club President Elect (Ex-Officio)
 
Foundation Committees
Finance Committee Chair: Andrew Hicks
Grants Committee Chair: Kathleen Blake

FUNDING SOURCES

The Foundation receives its funds from a number of sources
 
Club Members
  • Donate to the foundation quarterly by pledging monies through the Big Wheel
  • Make periodic additional donations through their own generosity or by participating in auctions or events.
  • Remember the foundation in their estate plans.
The Club Investment Fund
  • Was established by club members and continues to be supported by club members
  • Provides 4-5% of its three year average value to be used for annual granting.
Other Foundations
  • Donate money to our foundation to administer local grants for selected programs.
  • Appreciate that the club foundation may match their funds, does not have any overhead, and is composed of board members who are well connected in the community and can evaluate where donations have the greatest impact.
Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Circle Of Giving
 
The Circle of Giving recognizes club members who have decided to make generous donations either currently or postmortem over and above their quarterly Big Wheel gifts. Donations can be unrestricted or can be specified as an endowment with proper board approval.
 
Giving above the Big Wheel quarterly gifts was started in 1983 with a generous gift from Emil “Chief” Boessneck. In 1985 a second generous gift was received from Violet A. Singleton. Since then others have each donated more than $1,000 to the foundation to become “Life Members”. Earnings from these funds are used for the local needs of our local community.
 
Club members are recognized for their cumulative current giving at the following levels:
  • Silver Member $50 to $350
  • Gold Member $351 to $675
  • Platinum Member $676 to $999
  • Life Member $1,000 to $5,000
  • Gold Life Member $5,001 to $9,999
  • Platinum Life Member $10,000 and above
Those members remembering the Santa Barbara Rotary Charitable Foundation in their wills and trusts become members of The Rotary Foundation Legacy Society. Once the future bequest is received, a member is recognized at the levels indicated above.
Rotary Club members can also leave donations in another person’s name or in memorial for another person.

PAST RECIPIENTS

Page Stories
Foundation Grants 2023-24
During the 23-24 fiscal year, the Foundation awarded $20,500 to local organizations as follows:
 
 
Showers of Blessing $1,000
VNA Health Foundation  $1,500
World Dance for Humanity  $1,500
ShelterBox USA  $1,500
Page Youth Center  $1,500
Wilderness Youth Project  $1,500
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center  $1,500
Ceylon International Film Festival  $1,500
Santa Barbara Education Foundation  $1,500
Santa Barbara Police Activities League  $1,500
San Marcos Kids Helping Kids Foundation  $1,500
Explore Ecology  $1,500
Marine Watchdogs  $1,500
Village Properties Teachers Fund  $1,500
 
Total – Local Grants  $20,500   
During the 2021-2022 fiscal year, total grants given totaled $24,700.  Grants were given to the following organizations:
 
  • Harding School
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Center for Successful Aging
  • Wilderness Youth Project
  • Storyteller Children’s Center
  • Police Assistance League
During the 2020-21 fiscal year, grants exceeding $25,000 were given to the following organizations:
  • Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
  • Police Activity League (at-risk youths)
  • SEE International (glasses for kids)
  • Casa Serena (families, addiction, and mental health)
  • Santa Barbara County Education Foundation
  • Mayan Families
  • Rotary International Polio Plus Program
During the 2019-20 fiscal year, grants exceeding $30,000 were given to the following organizations:
  • Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County
  • Santa Barbara County Food Bank
  • Therapeutic Riding Academy
  • SEE International
  • Natural History Museum
  • Teddy Bear Foundation
  • Mayan Families
  • Santa Barbara County Education Foundation
  • Rotary International Polio Plus Program

During the 2018-2019 fiscal year, grants exceeding $25,000 were given to the following organizations:

  • Therapeutic Riding Academy
  • Dyslexia Project
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Mayan Families
  • Rotary International Polio Plus Program
  • Santa Barbara County Education Foundation
  • Scholarships for Foster Youth