Giving Tuesday: 5 Nonprofits to Support in Santa Barbara County

After the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and hunting for shopping deals, Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity to shift our focus towards giving back to the community.

In Santa Barbara County, this global day of generosity takes on special significance as residents come together to support local nonprofits and make a positive impact.

Did you know there are over 2,000 nonprofits based in Santa Barbara County? Many of these organizations don’t have large marketing budgets to promote the great work they do. We’re highlighting just a few local nonprofits and the great work they do below:

Slingshot / Alpha Art Studio

Slingshot / Alpha Art Studio is a nonprofit progressive arts studio that supports the creative practice and professional interests of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Santa Barbara County.

For 70 years, the programs and services of the Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara have empowered individuals with IDD, supported families, and been committed to building a community where the contributions of all are valued.

In the 1980s, Alpha began operating Alpha Art Studio, an informal program of adult day-services. As participation grew and the rigor of artistic practice became apparent, Slingshot was established as a discrete satellite program dedicated to studio art practice in 2013.

At present, Slingshot supports over 35 artists with IDD who live in Santa Barbara County: providing facilitation for their art practice with access to materials, techniques, and essential accommodations.

The studio runs a small on-site gallery at 1911 De La Vina Street and is committed to creating a broader platform for visibility through collaborative projects, public works, community-based shows, and partnering with galleries and other progressive studios across the region and country.

Donations can be made to the Alpha Resource Center here.

Mother’s Helpers

Mother’s Helpers is dedicated to providing moms and families in need with essential baby items to care for their babies. It was founded by Robin and Dan Unander-La Berge in October 2009 in recognition that there are families who need basic items for their babies and parents who have these things in their garages and want to get rid of them. They decided to put these two groups together, and make it easy for parents to donate to moms who are in need.

The nonprofit was selected as a 2022 California Nonprofit of the Year by Senator Monique Limòn and has quickly become the go-to resource for local families in need and those ready to donate.

This holiday season, they are matching families in need with people in the community who are able to sponsor Christmas gifts for their children. Sign up here to sponsor a family or send monetary donations to their website.

Santa Barbara Street Medicine

Doctors Without Walls-Santa Barbara Street Medicine is dedicated to providing free, volunteer medical care for the most vulnerable of Santa Barbara County, when and where they are in need, including in times of disaster, and to provide education and training for volunteers and others, in order to promote the excellent practice of humanitarian medicine in our hometown and elsewhere.

The group was founded in 2005 by three family physicians: Mark Stinson MD, Sabina Diehr MD and Noemi “Mimi” Doohan MD PhD, inspired by the need for local humanitarian medical volunteerism in response to disasters both acute, such as 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina, and chronic, such as poverty and homelessness.

Working on robust collaborations with other local nonprofits, State Street Medicine offers professional services from physicians, dentists, and veterinarians. Four days a week, at various times, volunteers have. scheduled clinics and operations to serve those in need. Additionally, a new monthly dental clinic is happening on the second Saturday of every month. Learn more and donate to their efforts here.

Pacific Pride Foundation

Pacific Pride Foundation’s (PPF) advocacy and education efforts meet the ongoing and emerging needs of a diverse population in order to create a thriving and visible LGBTQ+ community and to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS.

It began in 1976 as a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling and Referral center for Gay men and Lesbians. In 1984 the agency initiated the AIDS Counseling and Assistance Program, in an effort to contend with the emerging HIV epidemic, and began offering free, anonymous HIV Testing in 1985 as one of the first county test sites. In 1991, PPF established the Necessities of Life Project (NOLP), a food pantry providing free food and household items to low-income HIV-positive people and their families. In 1994, the organization changed its name to Pacific Pride Foundation.

PPF has become the foremost resource for people living with HIV/AIDS and the LGBTQ+ community. With offices in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, PPF continues to offer testing, counseling services, educational training, and social events. Learn more and donate here.

CalCoast MS

CalCoast MS is a local nonprofit aimed at enabling access to vital services, home safety improvements, and enriching social events for those living on the Central Coast with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The group was formed in 2017 by local residents affected by MS after the National MS Society closed its local programming and support groups to redirect its efforts to the Los Angeles community and research for a cure. Locals banded together to keep the community alive and offer local programming. Donations can be made at calcoastms.org

There are many more nonprofits and organizations in town that help enrich our local area and its residents. Here are 7 ways you can participate in Giving Tuesday and contribute to the well-being of Santa Barbara County:

1. Research Local Nonprofits

Santa Barbara County is home to a wide range of nonprofits dedicated to various causes, such as education, environmental conservation, healthcare, and more. Take some time to research and identify the organizations that resonate with your values and interests. Explore their missions, programs, and impact within the community.

2. Volunteer Your Time

Giving doesn’t always have to involve monetary donations. Consider volunteering your time and skills to local nonprofits. Whether it’s helping with administrative tasks, participating in community events, or assisting with fundraising efforts, there are countless opportunities to make a difference. Reach out to organizations and inquire about volunteering opportunities.

3. Donate Money or Goods

Financial contributions can have a significant impact on the work of nonprofits. On Giving Tuesday, consider making a financial donation to a local organization that aligns with your passions and values. Every donation, big or small, can make a difference in supporting the crucial services provided by these nonprofits.

Additionally, many nonprofits have wish lists for the items they need to carry out their programs. Consider donating goods, such as food, clothing, books, or school supplies, to help these organizations continue their valuable work in Santa Barbara County.

4. Spread Awareness on Social Media

Utilize the power of social media to raise awareness about Giving Tuesday and the nonprofits in Santa Barbara County. Share posts, stories, and updates about the causes you care about, encouraging others to participate and contribute. Tag local nonprofits and use relevant hashtags like #GivingTuesdaySB or #SupportSBNonprofits to amplify the message.

5. Support Local Fundraising Events

Many nonprofits host fundraising events and campaigns on Giving Tuesday. Keep an eye out for these events happening in Santa Barbara County, where you can participate and contribute to their causes. Attend galas, auctions, or benefit concerts, knowing that your participation directly supports the organizations hosting them.

6. Consider Workplace Giving Programs

If your employer offers workplace giving programs or matching gift opportunities, take advantage of these initiatives to amplify your impact. Many companies have programs that match employee donations to eligible nonprofits, essentially doubling the impact of your contribution. Inquire with your human resources department to learn more about these giving opportunities.

7. Support Local News

In addition to supporting local nonprofits, another important way to contribute to the well-being of Santa Barbara County and its citizens is by supporting local news organizations. Local news plays a vital role in keeping the community informed, uncovering important stories, and holding those in power accountable. By subscribing, donating and advertising with local publications, you help ensure that Santa Barbara County residents have access to reliable and unbiased information, fostering an engaged and informed community.

Feel like supporting the free news and discussion that edhat provides? Donate to support our grassroots effort here: edhat.com/donate-to-edhat

Giving Tuesday is a day to come together as a community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. By supporting local nonprofits and organizations through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness, you contribute to the welfare of the community and foster a spirit of generosity that extends beyond a single day.