To be eligible to apply for funding, your organization must be a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

General Guidelines

With few exceptions, we fund organizations and programs in Santa Barbara County.  We give highest priority to organizations and programs in Carpinteria.

Our areas of focus include programs specifically addressing education and well being of low-income children and youth, people affected by disabilities, disadvantage and homelessness, the arts, and open space preservation.  

With few exceptions, only one grant will be awarded per organization per year.  If your organization is requesting funding for multiple programs, all requests should be included on a single request/application. 

With few exceptions, we do not sponsor or fund events.

We do not fund organizations who discriminate in delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our evaluation process includes consideration of organizational health and stability, including leadership excellence and board stewardship, financial stability, and operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Applications Open: July 15, 2025

Application Deadline: September 2, 2025

Awards Announced: November 2025

Grant Cycle Open

Our 2025 grant cycle is open July 15 – Sept 2, 2025.

Organizations funded within the last 12 months are approved to apply in this cycle and can access the full application here: La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation’s 2025 Local Fund Grant Cycle

If your organization has not received funding from the La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation within the past 12 months, please begin by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). We accept LOIs on a rolling basis.

Note: When clicking the links above, you will be prompted to setup an account with Submittable prior to accessing the online forms. If you have previously used Submittable for your organization, you can use your existing login credentials. 

If you have questions regarding the 2025 Grant Cycle or application, please email info@lcsf.org.