Explore Charities Making a Difference
Supporting the work of nonprofits takes center stage at this time of year. Whether you're giving for yourself or donating to specific charities as thoughtful holiday gifts, your generosity can make a meaningful difference. To streamline your giving journey, I've compiled a list of some of my preferred nonprofits for your consideration. Each one is poised to make a significant impact with your valuable support.
Casa Del Herrero
Anyone interested in architecture will want to support this 1920s house and museum. Crafted by the renowned architect George Washington Smith, the Casa stands as an exemplary showcase of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture within the United States. Equally impressive as the building are the Moorish-inspired gardens that grace the surroundings. The property and its dwelling hold the esteemed status of a National Historic Landmark and are acknowledged on the National Register of Historic Places. Th recognition is attributed, in part, to the captivating fusion of Country Place Era and Moorish-inspired gardens that grace the surroundings.
What They Do: When visitors come to Casa del Herrero, they are transported back to Montecito as it was in the 1920s and 1930s. Today, the 11-acre estate functions under the auspices of a nonprofit organization preserving the house and grounds. Initiatives encompass the preservation of the Steedman family's assemblage of fine and decorative art items dating back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, hailing from the distinguished "Golden Age" of Spain. This collection includes art objects, books, sketchbooks, drawings, and horticultural records.
What They Need: Financial support for the organization furthers its mission of preserving the historic estate. These donations assist in completing conservation projects and maintaining the garden spaces. Additionally, the Casa is looking for docents and garden volunteers.
Santa Barbara City College Foundation
Since 1976, the SBCC Foundation has been a vital source of private philanthropic backing for Santa Barbara City College. As a Santa Barbara nonprofit organization, the Foundation serves as the vehicle through which individuals and organizations may invest in SBCC and its students.
What They Do: The SBCC Foundation provides Santa Barbara City College with private philanthropic support, awarding over $5 million annually for student success programs, scholarships, book grants, emergency funds, and other needs of the college and its students--including the SBCC Promise, which provides all recent local high school graduates the opportunity to attend SBCC full-time for two years at no cost.
What They Need: Donations of financial support for our community's college are greatly appreciated to continue the work on behalf of our future leaders.
One805
In the aftermath of the Thomas fire and mudslides that followed, this Santa Barbara nonprofit organization was formed to thank First Responders and show them how much their efforts were, and are, appreciated.
What They Do: One805 supports First Responders by funding emergency equipment and services. Donating is the perfect way to support our local fire, police, and sheriff’s department through your holiday giving by helping to purchase the much-needed high-tech and safety equipment that is out of budget, as well as vital counseling services.
What They Need: Santa Barbara individuals and businesses are invited to become One805 members and be an ongoing part of the First Responders community by providing financial assistance.
C.A.R.E.4Paws
Anyone who knows me is aware of my love of animals. That’s why I appreciate the work of C.A.R.E.4Paws, an organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation, keeping animals out of shelters, and improving quality of life for pet families in need on the Central Coast.
What They Do: This local charity began with a mission to serve in Santa Barbara County's most underserved communities, expanding to San Luis Obispo County in 2022. The organization promotes animal welfare and assists low-income, senior, disabled, and homeless pet owners with critical pet wellness services. This includes free spays/neuters, low-cost vaccine clinics, affordable veterinary care, and pet food delivery. There is also a youth program and a bilingual community outreach that creates awareness around critical pet care and resources available to families in need.
What They Need: This organization raises funds to assist more low-income, senior, and homeless community members. Your holiday giving donation will help keep animals happy, healthy, and with their families for life.
ShelterBox
Right now, around 85 million people worldwide have been displaced by natural disasters and conflict. ShelterBox is working to change this.
What They Do: ShelterBox strives for a world where no family is left without shelter after disaster strikes. They do this by assisting in the immediate response and recovery phase of a disaster by providing families with customized emergency shelter, tools, and essential items to help them rebuild their lives.
What They Need: Donations to ShelterBox can transform the lives of families who have survived a natural disaster or conflict. Your monetary donation will help the organization provide emergency shelter and tools for displaced families.
Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
The commitment of the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission lies in providing physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual resources to individuals facing challenges related to homelessness and addiction.
What They Do: Since 1965, this local charity has been providing immediate help in the form of food and shelter 365 nights a year to those with no place else to go. Toward this goal, SBRM offers a 12-month residential recovery program for men and women desiring to break free from cycles of addiction, poverty, homelessness, and crime.
What They Need: Financial support will help provide security and hope as homelessness, crime and addiction continue to rise.
All these wonderful Santa Barbara nonprofit organizations point to the value of Santa Barbara and Montecito residents and their generosity over the years. That compassion and empathy are additional reasons why living here is a gift. For more nonprofit organizations that could use your help, check out the new 2024 Santa Barbara Giving List book from the Montecito Journal.
These, and other nonprofit organizations in and around Santa Barbara indicate the strength of “community”: a significant factor in why we live here. If you are considering moving to or within the Santa Barbara community, remember there are many home buyers, even during the holidays. Therefore, it’s imperative to have an experienced Realtor on your side. Call me at (805) 886-9378 or email me at Cristal@montecito-estate.com, and I'll happily add your home to my portfolio of fine properties while I find you the perfect residence for you and your family. I can handle the entire process, leaving you time to enjoy the season and concentrate on your holiday giving to any of these worthy nonprofit organizations.
Of Related Interest