Staff Report

The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has announced more than $75,000 in grants to local nonprofits, including organizations providing safety net services, educational opportunities, and art programs throughout the valley.

“Nonprofits give critical resources and vital support,” said Valley Foundation Board President Rich Nagler. “Our grants provide assistance so that they can do their good work even better. Together, we are strengthening lives and building community for the next generation.”

The foundation’s 12-member board reviews all proposals submitted to the foundation, bringing diverse talents and community roots to the grantmaking process. Grants are made quarterly to nonprofit organizations serving the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos.

Focus areas include health and human services, seniors, youth, education, and arts and culture. Funds are provided for program support, operating expenses, outreach efforts, critical needs, program accessibility, and innovative programs.

“Our community remains vibrant in part because of the important work done by our local nonprofit organizations,” said foundation board member Jessica Tade. “Valley Foundation grants support nonprofits as they implement necessary programs and provide essential services – all of which enhance the quality of life for all valley residents.”

With this latest round of funding, total grants provided by the foundation this year have reached more than $147,500.

In addition to $70,000 awarded in scholarships, the foundation is supporting Hancock College Promise Program. The Valley Foundation is committed to providing $30,000 over the next five years to the program, which guarantees that high school graduates entering Hancock will get their first year of tuition for free.

The most recent grant recipients include:

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Santa Ynez Valley Fruit and Vegetable Rescue
Los Alamos Valley Senior Citizens (Senior Center)
Solvang Senior Center
Friends of the Los Alamos Library
Hancock College Foundation Promise Program
Boy Scouts of America
NatureTrack Foundation Inc.
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding
Santa Ynez Valley Chorale
Solvang Elementary School District Education Foundation (Solvang Arts and Music – SAM)