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Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) provides and supports programs that enrich the academic, artistic, and personal development of all students in the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

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

Santa Barbara Education Foundation is Making a Difference Through Our Programs and Initiatives

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12,000

right arrowStudents in the SB Unified School District

$2,930,212

right arrowMoney raised during the 2024-25 school year

2,350+

right arrowInstruments placed in SBUSD schools

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.

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MUSIC

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ARTS

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LITERACY

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STEM

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WELLNESS

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STUDENT
SUCCESS

RESOURCES

Signature Programs

Keep the Beat

Léni Fé Bland

Readers are Leaders

Student Grants

Great Schools Don’t Just Happen!

It takes a community dedicated to education to make a difference. Your support helps make Santa Barbara schools great!

Latest News

Read more about how SBEF is making headlines supporting students, educators, and public education across Santa Barbara.

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  • SBEF Celebrates Student Innovation at Annual Student Grants Reception

    Looking out at a crowd of students gathered with their advisors and parents, Santa Barbara Education Foundation Board Member Isis Castañeda captured the spirit of the evening in a few simple words: “It’s about the [...]

  • Santa Barbara Unified Family Literacy Festival Returns on March 7th

    By Categories: News

    The Santa Barbara Education Foundation is proud to support the Santa Barbara Unified’s 2nd Annual Family Literacy Festival, a free community event celebrating the joy of reading, learning, and family connection. The festival will take [...]

  • Santa Barbara Education Foundation Welcomes Vanessa Pelton as Executive Director

    By Categories: News

    The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) is pleased to announce that Vanessa Pelton has been named as its new Executive Director. Pelton will begin her role on March 3, 2026. Pelton joins SBEF as the [...]

  • Santa Barbara Teachers Awarded a Record-Breaking $228,000 in Grants

    The Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) celebrated a milestone year for its Teacher Grants program, awarding a record-breaking $228,000 to educators across the Santa Barbara Unified School District at its annual Teacher Grants Awards Reception [...]

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