Local Non-Profits Combine Forces as Many Face Dwindling Funds

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - More than 200 representatives from non-profits in Santa Barbara County have come together with many looking at collaborations in the future.

This comes at a time when federal funds are being cut back on many levels, and the impacts are being felt in local communities.

In a special gathering called "State of Non-Profits," the Santa Barbara Foundation brought leaders with ideas and plans together in one room. It took place Tuesday morning at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.

Those attending were especially concerned about funding cuts, future needs, expectations, trends and working with similar groups.

Santa Barbara Foundation CEO Jackie Carrera said, "we have so many phenomenal non profit organizations in our community.  We have a vibrant business sector, we have  fantastic donors and funders and not any one donor or person or  organization  can do it alone."

Among those sharing an example was Steve Windhager the CEO of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Windhager says they have a botanist who will be working with the National Park Service on the recovery efforts involving sensitive species at the 18,000 acre Santa Rosa Island fire. This comes as that government position is not currently filled and the non profit has the resources locally.

Another collaboration involved groups working together to get a special school bond passed in Lompoc to upgrade facilities. It had previously failed.

Leaders said they are frustrated with the impacts of housing costs and pay limitations (with rising inflation) when it comes to hiring the staff they need.

UCSB Center for Evaluation and Learning Natalie Jones, said "this ability to secure local housing  for individuals working in non profits" is a key issue.  "The main concerns are cost of living and housing in Santa Barbara."

Several leaders said working together is "absolutely" critical right now.

Santa Barbara Foundation Director of Learning and Evaluation Stacie Furia said a survey showed a concerning trend. "so a quarter of our non profits were thinking by now things were going to be worse or much worse. The other thing to know is in 2022 when we asked the same question only six percent  were pessimistic about their financial future."

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