40 Years of Empowering Public Schools
Since 1985, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation has created opportunities for students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District through collaboration with community partners and donors.
Timeline
1985 – Santa Barbara Education Foundation Founded
A group of concerned parents comes together to support teachers by offering small grants for classroom supplies.
1986 – SBEF Offers Grants to Teachers
From 1986 to 1994, the Santa Barbara Education Foundation awarded small teacher grants, beginning with just two $250 grants funded by donations from local businesses.
1994 – Playground Equipment Renovation Project
From 1994 to 1999, we worked to assess and make critical renovations to outdoor playground equipment at school sites.
1997 – First Hope Awards
SBEF begins to recognize individuals and businesses for their support of local students.
2003 – Keep the Beat
Following devastating budget cuts that threatened elementary instrumental music programs, SBEF started Keep the Beat to raise funds for music instructors and instruments.
2016 – SBEF Helps Pass Measures I & J
We helped pass Measures I & J, resulting in $193 million to support infrastructure improvements.
2018 – Teacher Grants Return
SBEF offers SB Unified teachers grants between $250 to $5,000 to promote innovative teaching and classroom supplies.
2024 – Open Books Project
SBEF distributes 5,500 new books to Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 3rd-grade students in 12 elementary schools with the generous support of donors.
2026 – Student Grants Program
This year marked the third round of Student Grants, with nearly $10,000 awarded to support student-led projects that address needs on their campuses and strengthen their school communities.
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