The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF), in partnership with the city of Goleta, has initiated the Goleta Child Care Grant Program, designed to strengthen the local 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. Those interested can apply here during the June 2-30 grant application period.

“At the Santa Barbara Foundation, we believe every child deserves access to safe, affordable, and high-quality care,” said Beatriz Garcia, director of strategic initiatives. “That’s why we are so excited to partner with the city of Goleta on this program.”

“These grants are an important step toward building a more resilient and equitable child care system in Goleta — one that supports our workforce, uplifts families, and helps children succeed,” said Goleta Mayor Paula Perotte.

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 visit the Santa Barbara Foundation’s website or contact Garcia at BGarcia@SBFoundation.org.

The Goleta City Council in December 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 city said.

The Santa Barbara Foundation received $50,000 to open 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, the city said.

Learn more about Santa Barbara Foundation at https://sbfoundation.org/.