Santa Barbara County’s nonprofits play a critical role in supporting local families and strengthening our community. Noozhawk’s Good for Santa Barbara County Nonprofit Section highlights these organizations and the individuals driving their missions.
Explore our Giving Guide to learn how you can give back this season.
For this feature, Noozhawk interviewed Taylor Swan, Chief Development Officer at United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, to highlight the nonprofit’s programs, long-standing mission, and the meaningful impact it has on local youth.
United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County. Our mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: Our roots go back to 1938, when Santa Barbara community leaders recognized that local youth needed a safe place to learn and grow. Local firefighters transformed their old station into the first Boys’ Club, and over time the movement expanded to Goleta, Carpinteria, Lompoc, Buellton, and Solvang. What began with a single room and a handful of boys has grown into a countywide network serving thousands of young people each year—built on the same foundation of caring adults and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures.
Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?
A: Many youth in Santa Barbara County face barriers such as economic hardship, food insecurity, and limited access to safe, enriching opportunities. UBGC was created to be a trusted place where young people can learn, grow, and discover their full potential.
Q: How is your nonprofit primarily funded, and what are its biggest needs right now?
A: We are funded through a diverse mix of Individual and Corporate Contributions, Grants and Foundations, Government Partnerships, Special Events, Facility Rentals, and Camp Whittier. One of our most important priorities is growing our endowment, which will strengthen our long-term stability and ensure we can continue serving kids for generations to come.
Q: How do you allocate your funding to support your mission?
A: We are committed to responsible stewardship. Our funds are allocated as follows:
76.3% to Program Services
18.9% to Management and General Expenses
4.8% to Fundraising Efforts
Q: How can people get involved with your nonprofit or volunteer?
A: There are many ways to make an impact. Volunteers can coach a sports team, help with homework, assist in our STEM labs, support special events, or simply lend a hand wherever there’s a need. Your time and talent can inspire kids to dream big.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: Diego joined our Lompoc Club a year ago with severe separation anxiety. He clung to his mom, struggled to stay inside the building, and couldn’t participate in activities. Over time, with patience, consistency, and support, Diego blossomed. Today he greets staff with confidence, helps welcome new members, and proudly gives tours of the Club.
His mom often shares how deeply the Club has impacted their family. Diego’s anxiety once prevented her from working, but with the stability our Club provided, she was able to return to her job—and even go back to college. When Diego’s grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, the Club’s homework help, warm meals, and safe environment became a lifeline during an incredibly difficult season. The Lompoc Club is now a key source of strength and community for their family.
Q: How do you share your nonprofit’s impact and updates with the public?
A: We keep our community informed through our monthly eNewsletter, Annual Report, and special events. For anyone interested in seeing our impact firsthand, we would be delighted to host a tour of their local Club.
Q: What makes your organization trustworthy for donors, and are there other ways people can support your cause beyond donations?
A: Donor trust is at the heart of our work. As a member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we follow the highest national standards for safety, governance, financial transparency, and youth protection.
This includes rigorous checks and balances, annual audits, strict financial oversight, and nationally mandated safety protocols. Donors can feel confident knowing their generosity fuels programs that are proven, transparent, and life-changing for the 5,760 youth we serve each year.
Beyond financial contributions, supporters can:
- Volunteer at a Club or at Camp Whittier
- Attend or sponsor events like Rally4Kids, Carpinteria’s Best Bites & Big Futures, or the George Chelini Alumni Concert
- Provide in-kind donations such as snacks, school supplies, or holiday gifts
- Serve as mentors or share career expertise with teens
- Host a Club tour or act as a community ambassador
- Join the 1938 Legacy Society to support long-term sustainability
- Become a Blue Door Hero through monthly giving
Every act of support—time, talent, or treasure—helps create safe spaces, warm meals, and caring mentors for local youth.
Q: Can you highlight one immediate goal and one long-term vision your nonprofit aims to achieve in the next year?
A: One immediate goal is to replace outdated computers across our organization—from Club lab technology to the devices staff rely on daily. This $130,100 upgrade will give members reliable tools for homework, STEM learning, and career exploration, while helping our team better support families.
Our long-term vision is to build a $20 million endowment that ensures sustainable longevity for the organization and secures our ability to serve youth for generations to come. We welcome partners who want to help modernize our technology today and invest in a strong, stable future for the young people we are proud to serve.
Click here to support United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County’s mission, impact, and commitment to supporting local youth and families.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
If you would like to include your nonprofit in our Good for Santa Barbara section and Giving Guide click HERE.