Apply by June 30th

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program application period is now open! This program is a partnership between the Santa Barbara Foundation and City of Goleta. The intent is to strengthen the child care sector and support the workforce that serves Goleta’s youngest residents. Applicants must be a licensed nonprofit child care provider and be based in the City of Goleta. The grant application period is open through June 30, 2025 – more info and apply here. For an application in Spanish, email bgarcia@sbfoundation.org for assistance.

The Goleta Child Care Grant Program will offer awards of up to $15,000 each, focused on the following priority areas:

• Child Care Workforce Development – Increasing the number of qualified child care professionals and promoting ongoing skill-building.
• Sustainable Business Models – Strengthening organizational operations and financial sustainability.
• Family Engagement – Supporting culturally responsive and inclusive family partnerships.
• Leadership in Child Care – Advancing equity, inclusion, and strategic responses to local needs.

For more information or to review the guidelines go to the Santa Barbara Foundation’s website or contact Beatriz Garcia at bgarcia@sbfoundation.org.

Background:

The Goleta City Council last December 2024 approved $250,000 in child care funds thanks to revenue from Measure B, a one cent sales tax approved by voters in 2022. The funding was awarded to several child care initiatives to bring more options to residents, help support local families and enhance community well-being. The Santa Barbara Foundation received $50,000 to launch this childcare grant opportunity.

According to the 2024 Santa Barbara County Child Care Facilities Needs Assessment, there is a shortage of 9,371 licensed spaces for children ages 0-5 in the county. Goleta families and providers continue to face rising costs and limited availability, impacting both child development and working parents’ ability to thrive.