The St. Francis Foundation of Santa Barbara has awarded $800,000 in grants to 49 local nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast.
As the foundation celebrates its 70th anniversary, this year’s grantmaking reflects a long-standing commitment to compassionate philanthropy rooted in the healing tradition of St. Francis.
The funding supports a broad spectrum of programs and services that address not only physical health, but also emotional, psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
Grant Recipients
The 2025 grant recipients represent a diverse network of organizations responding to the community’s evolving healthcare needs. Among those receiving support are:
Doctors Without Walls, Organic Soup Kitchen, VNA Health, Cottage Hospital, Easy Lift Transportation, Friendship Center, Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Mental Wellness Center, and nursing scholarship programs.
Funding was also awarded to a new health-focused initiative at San Marcos High School, demonstrating SFF’s investment in future generations and preventive health education.
“These grants represent the heart of our mission,” said Tina Frontado, executive director of the St. Francis Foundation. “We are entrusted with resources that were given with deep purpose, and we take seriously our responsibility to be careful stewards of those funds.
“Our work is not simply about writing checks, it is about honoring a legacy, strengthening local healthcare, and supporting organizations that meet people where they are, with dignity and compassion.”
The Foundation’s Long History
The foundation’s origins trace back to the former St. Francis Medical Center, whose mission centered on healing, service and care for those most in need.
While the hospital itself is no longer operating, its legacy continues through the SFF’s grantmaking efforts, which support organizations delivering direct services and critical resources throughout the region.
Today, the foundation’s impact extends across numerous areas of community health, including medical care, hospice and end-of-life support, food security, transportation services, mental health care, senior services, youth wellness initiatives, and professional education for future healthcare providers.
By investing in organizations that address these interconnected needs, SFF embraces a holistic approach to health that recognizes the many factors contributing to quality of life.
Grant Awards Celebration
To honor this year’s grant recipients, the SFF hosted its annual Grant Awards Celebration at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. The event, designed as a celebration rather than a fundraiser, brought together nonprofit leaders, staff members, and their families for an afternoon of appreciation and recognition.
The entire event was underwritten through the generosity of Farmers & Merchants Bank under the leadership of Nolan Nicholson and Henry Walker, allowing all participating organizations and their guests to attend free of charge.
Guests gathered in the club’s President’s Tent, where they enjoyed an afternoon featuring an open bar, buffet, private polo lesson, and educational presentation about the sport.
The event provided a rare opportunity for nonprofit professionals to step away from their demanding work and be recognized for the contributions they make to the community every day.
“We wanted our grantees to feel celebrated,” Frontado said. “So often, nonprofit leaders are the ones doing the hosting, fundraising, and giving of themselves. This event is our way of saying: we see you, we value you, and we are grateful for the healing work you bring to our community.”
The foundation’s emphasis on gratitude and stewardship reflects the values that have guided its work for seven decades. By carefully managing resources entrusted by donors and community members, the organization continues to fulfill its mission of supporting those who provide essential care and services throughout Santa Barbara County.
The 49 organizations funded this year collectively address many of the region’s most pressing health and social challenges.
From ensuring access to nutritious food and reliable transportation to providing cancer support services, mental health care, and senior assistance, these programs help strengthen the fabric of the community while improving the lives of thousands of local residents.
70 Years of Service
As the St. Francis Foundation marks its 70th year of service, its mission remains firmly grounded in legacy and purpose. The foundation continues to honor the intentions of those who entrusted it with resources, while investing in innovative and compassionate solutions that promote health, dignity and healing.
Through thoughtful grantmaking and responsible stewardship, the St. Francis Foundation remains a vital force for good on the Santa Barbara South Coast — supporting organizations that care for the whole person and helping ensure quality healthcare and supportive services remain accessible to those who need them most.
The St. Francis Foundation promotes and supports healthcare in the St. Francis tradition, with special attention to those most in need.
Through strategic grantmaking and careful stewardship of entrusted resources, the foundation supports local organizations that relieve suffering, foster dignity, and enhance the health and well-being of communities throughout the Santa Barbara South Coast.