GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
GRANT CYCLES
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation proudly strengthens the community by supporting the impactful work of local nonprofit organizations through our grant program.
UPDATE: New Grant Application Process
We’ve updated the grant application process to enhance accessibility and equity. Grants are offered across four funding cycles, each dedicated to specific focus areas.
2025-2026 GRANT CYCLES
Arts & Culture / Community Enhancement Grants
Application Period: June 1, 2025 – July 1, 2025
Deadline: July 1, 2025, at 11:59 PMHealth & Human Services Grants
Application Period: September 2, 2025 – October 1, 2025
Deadline: October 1, 2025, at 11:59 PMFood Security Grants
Application Period: Opens January 2026
Check back for detailsYouth & Education Grants
Application Period: Opens March 2026Check back for details
Please review the Guidelines/FAQs. Be sure to note the timing and focus of each cycle to allow ample time to prepare your application. Eligible organizations may submit only one grant application per calendar year, regardless of the funding cycle.
Note: If you are a new applicant, have not received funding from the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation in the past five years, or have had a previous request denied, you must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and receive approval before submitting a grant application. Refer to Guidelines/FAQs for more details.
Grant Application Forms
To streamline the application process, we offer two types of grant application forms based on your organization’s funding history with the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation:
Grant Application SHORT Form
For organizations that have received funding from the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation within the past five years.Grant Application LONG Form
With approved Letter of Inquiry, the long form is required for:New applicants
Organizations that have not received funding from the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation in the past five years
Organizations with a previously denied request
Important: Before completing the LONG Form, you must submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and receive approval to move forward with the application process.
QUESTIONS?
We are here to help! Contact us to discuss your project, ideas, concerns, and questions.
(805) 688-2991