Cox Charities philanthropic foundation has awarded $12,500 in grants to four Santa Barbara region nonprofits with programs that meet local community needs. Cox Charities.
 
The 2025 nonprofit grant recipients in the Santa Barbara region are:

Supporting K-12 STEM Education focus area:

▪ Santa Barbara Police Activities League (PAL): Connects law enforcement with the community to support underserved youth through mentorship and academic programs. PAL’s Discover Program offers hands-on learning with local law enforcement and STEM fields, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Participants improve communication, build confidence, and explore careers in public safety and technology through simulations and mentorships.
 
▪ Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara: Empowers youth through programs that support academic success, healthy living, and life skills. In the SMART Lab, participants engage in hands-on learning in technology, digital media, and creative problem-solving, essential STEM education elements fostering curiosity, innovation and confidence. The SMART Lab offers education and skills for future academic and career success.
 
Supporting the Conservation and Sustainability focus area:
 
▪ Santa Barbara Channelkeeper: Aims to protect the Santa Barbara Channel and its watersheds through advocacy, education, fieldwork, enforcement, and community engagement. The Shore and Sea Explorers program empowers young environmental stewards with hands-on experiences in local watersheds and marine ecosystems, fostering ecological understanding and responsibility for coastal and ocean environments.
 
Supporting Food & Housing Insecurity focus area:
 
▪ Coastal Housing Coalition: Develops a coalition for housing solutions to tackle the crisis in housing availability and affordability. Through free educational programs, the coalition joins stakeholders, policymakers, and community members to ensure equitable access to affordable housing, fostering dialogue and supporting locally driven policy development for long-term sustainability.
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“Cox Charities grants enable our team members to give back to the communities we call home,” said Kirsten McLaughlin, Santa Barbara market vice president.

“Made possible by voluntary employee contributions, these grants provide vital support to nonprofit organizations fostering positive change for our neighbors,” she said. “We are proud to see our employees step up to donate and advise on where these investments are made.”

To learn more about Cox Charities, visit https://www.coxcharitieswest.org.