Why SBEF?
Lower Per Pupil Funding for SB Unified Students Compared to Other School Districts in the Area
Many perceive SB Unified as a high wealth district, however, it only receives 1% above the state average for funder per student.
SB Unified $17,896
Goleta Unified $23,328
Cold Spring $26,800
Montecito $40,247
Students in the SB Unified School District
What We Do
Funding innovation in every Santa Barbara classroom, SBEF creates opportunities for students through collaboration with community partners and donors in the areas of Academics, Art, Personal Development and Basic Needs.
MUSIC
ARTS
LITERACY
STEM
WELLNESS
STUDENT
SUCCESS
RESOURCES
Signature Programs
Keep the Beat
From music teachers to instruments, SBEF has been raising funds to support music education in local schools since 2003. Today, all 5000+ elementary students learn to play an instrument during their school day. An originating partner in the Pianos on State project, SBEF also runs a year-round instrument drive.
Readers are Leaders
Readers Are Leaders is a new early literacy initiative designed to help TK through 3rd grade students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District build strong reading foundations during the years that matter most. By combining the power of trained community volunteers with the expertise of educators, the program ensures young readers receive the time, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.
Student Grants
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation is awarding up to $500 to individuals and groups of students in grades 9-11 for student-managed projects that enrich the academic, artistic, and/or personal development of students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.
Summer Music Camps
Our summer music camps provide students of all skill levels with the opportunity to grow as musicians, connect with their peers, and have fun making music together. From band and strings to drumline and movement, there’s something for every young performer! We raise funds to provide scholarships, keeping these programs affordable and accessible to all families in our community.
Educator Grants
Santa Barbara Education Foundation funds grants once a year to support the purchase of much-needed, project-based supplies and tools, as well as to encourage the development of creative and innovative teaching in the Santa Barbara Unified School District through adopting new technologies, instructional tools, and field trips.
We Care
We Care supports the most critical needs of SB Unified students. In partnership with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, We Care is an initiative to support the continued needs of SB Unified students, families, and staff during this challenging time.
Latest News
Read more about how SBEF is making headlines supporting students, educators, and public education across Santa Barbara.
Summer Music Camps Hit a High Note in 2026
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation’s Summer Music Camps wrapped up another memorable season, bringing together young musicians from across Santa Barbara to learn, grow, and perform together. From beginning percussionists to advanced instrumentalists, students spent [...]
Santa Barbara Education Foundation Welcomes Leonor Reyes as Programs Manager
The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) is pleased to welcome Leonor Reyes as its new Programs Manager. Reyes, a San Marcos High School graduate and parent of three Santa Barbara Unified School District alumni, brings [...]
SBEF Celebrates 40 Years and Raises Over $300,000 for Local Students
On Thursday, April 23, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) hosted its 40th Celebration, marking four decades of impact in support of students and public schools in the Santa Barbara Unified School District. The milestone [...]
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