Advancing progressive change by strengthening movements for Economic, Environmental, Political, Racial, and Social Justice. The Fund for Santa Barbara supports organizations working for progressive social change in Santa Barbara County, emphasizing solutions to social problems and support for those denied power and justice.
The Fund for Santa Barbara's Movement Building Grant (MBG) Cycle supports groups/organizations leading movement building for systemic change. Starting in 2024, it will offer one annual cycle for causes including economic, environmental, political, racial, and social changes. It prioritizes projects with a systemic change component and those that work towards anti-discrimination, promote self-determination, and engage in community organizing or environmental justice. Funding is available up to $20,000 for established partners and up to $10,000 for new applicants or unincorporated groups, with a project duration of 12 months. Projects should support marginalized communities, worker rights, cultural engagement, global peace, coalition-building, and address community violence with a focus on recovery and restorative justice. The assessment considers the project's potential for social change, community organizing elements, access to funding, critical timing/need, impact of funds, and contribution to regional equity in Santa Barbara County.