When it comes to the rampant issue of homelessness in California, there are no miracle cures or easy fixes. New Beginnings’ Executive Director Kristine Schwarz, a former entertainment industry executive turned psychotherapist and clinician, understands this reality very well. New Beginnings, which provides psychological counseling, veteran services, and housing assistance to homeless people in Santa [...more...]
Comprehensive free enrichment summer program supports hundreds of Santa Barbara children Enrollment is now open for United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun — a free six-week summer learning program that provides [...more...]
Giving List Matching Challenges
Youth Development
Marie was a victim of sex trafficking before she turned 13. “I was stuck in the lifestyle, always wanting to […more…]
In Santa Barbara County, vulnerable youth face an invisible crossroads every day. Some are on the verge of dropping out […more…]
On Ellwood Mesa, a second grader watched dolphins crest the waves and whispered, “Pinch me so I know I’m not […more…]
Homelessness
Villa Majella is SB County’s only maternity home, providing safe shelter, 24/7 support, transportation, warm meals, and access to vital services. […more…]
On November 2nd, 2024, New Beginnings held its Annual Gala in the form of a performance of The Boys Next […more…]
In the shadows of Santa Barbara’s picturesque coastline, where million-dollar homes overlook pristine beaches, a different economic reality exists among […more…]
Health & Wellness
Despite Santa Barbara’s seemingly vibrant, prosperous community, some of its youngest residents face invisible barriers to health and wellness that […more…]
Cottage Health is entering a new era of innovation while staying true to its mission of providing exceptional, compassionate care. […more…]
In a world where anxiety and stress affect children at unprecedented rates, one Santa Barbara organization is teaching our youngest […more…]
For the Environment
Dear Giving List Community, As Earth Month invites both reflection and renewed resolve, we’re delighted to share theClientEarth Americas 2025 […more…]
Sue Eisaguirre, founder and Executive Director of NatureTrack wanted to document and give a huge thank you to all the […more…]
Join the Community Environmental Council on Saturday, September 27 for a celebration of resilience to honor our collective strength as […more…]
For the Children
Storyteller has the humble “once upon a time” origins that befits its fairytale-like journey for the families and children it […more…]
In the face of a devastating diagnosis that would break most spirits, 13-year-old Ava Decker chose to fight not just […more…]
In a classroom at Santa Barbara High School, a student named Arturo sat slumped in his chair, disengaged from another […more…]
For the Arts
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has a long-standing tradition of uniting people of all ages through a diverse range […more…]
Set Sail for an Evening of Smooth Tunes and Celebration As part of its 25th anniversary celebration year, the Santa […more…]
Miller McCune Executive Director of UCSB Arts & Lectures Meghan Bush recently replaced Celesta Billeci, who had spent 25 years […more…]
For the Animals
“My goal was always to change the world. You know, nothing too dramatic,” Dr. Sam Dover, co-founder and director of […more…]
Return to Freedom’s Founder Neda DeMayo has had horse sense since her earliest memories. “Horse was my first word,” DeMayo […more…]
Emergency Services
The Search Dog Foundation (SDF) has announced the deployment of seven specialized canine disaster search teams to Washington state as […more…]
Four-Star Rating for 15th Consecutive Year Highlights Operational Excellence and Humanitarian Impact Charity Navigator, America’s top independent nonprofit evaluator, has […more…]
Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue (SBCSAR) was ready when an experienced paraglider had an issue with equipment and was […more…]
Education
The Central City East neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles goes by another moniker – one familiar to the public and […more…]
The first five years of a child’s life lay the foundation for how they’ll do in school and beyond – […more…]
Olive Crest’s Hope Refuge Campus in Santa Barbara County provides a safe place for young survivors of sex trafficking to […more…]
Community Resilience
On May 20, 2025, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed the month of May as Search and Rescue Month, honoring the […more…]
Most of us take light for granted. We flip a switch, the light comes on. But for an estimated 700 […more…]
Direct Relief navigates the war zones in Ukraine to deliver cystic fibrosis medications, transports Mpox vaccines to clinics in the […more…]
Advocacy
In perhaps one of the most challenging times for undocumented immigrants in American history, the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa […more…]
Join Hillside for a Disability Independence Day Festival at Hillside! This fun-filled and family-friendly event is a great way to […more…]
In a small corner office of the Shoreline Community Church, immigrants can find a much welcome pathway to the American […more…]