Celebrating a century of service to the Santa Barbara community.
Since 1923, UWSBC has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding.
Throughout its history, UWSBC has transitioned from the traditional United Way fundraising and grantmaking model to a hybrid organization, building community partnerships and delivering direct programs and services to residents throughout Santa Barbara County. UWSBC has built on its proven method of community organizing, fundraising, and program development to strategically target evolving needs in our community.
Join us in sustaining the next century of service. Together, we can continue our legacy of partnership and service on behalf of thousands of individuals, children and families countywide.
Since 1923, United Way of Santa Barbara County has been a key leader in local efforts to empower children, families, and communities through its own unique collaborative programs and initiatives, partnership convening efforts, volunteer development, and funding.
Throughout its history, United Way of Santa Barbara County has transitioned from the traditional United Way fundraising and grantmaking model to a hybrid organization, building community partnerships and delivering direct programs and services to residents throughout Santa Barbara County. United Way has built on its proven method of community organizing, fundraising, and program development to strategically target evolving needs in our community.
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From left to right: (1953) Representatives from local women's organizations preparing for the Community Chest Drive. (1947) Children involved with each of the Community Chest "Red Feather" agencies say Thank You on the steps of the Old Mission. (1931) Local troop of the Girl Scouts of Santa Barbara, one of the originally funded agencies of the Community Chest.
United Way's core operating model connects our design and implementation of data-driven programming with efficient funding collaboratives to build comprehensive, community-wide initiatives. We achieve maximum program sustainability and impact through our ability to convene and lead key leaders and representatives from the philanthropic, business, and nonprofit communities to address identified needs.
Throughout United Way's history, this model has proven to be flexible, adaptable, and efficient infrastructure; maximizing our impact to match evolving needs. In partnership with philanthropic, municipal, and community organizations, United Way has connected millions of dollars in financial relief to directly support students, families, and communities in need.
With a renewed focus on crisis response and a robust history of educational and financial resiliency programs, UWSBC is honored to continue our commitment to the individuals, children, and families we serve. With a foundation of dedicated partnerships and experience, we look forward to another 100 years of innovation and impact for our community.
UNITED WAY OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY | SINCE 1923
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Since 1923, United Way has served the Santa Barbara County community through funding, partnership development, volunteer services, and by creating, managing, and leading its own unique programs and initiatives that involve dozens of local non-profit, business, and public sector organizations. United Way's mission is driven by a focus on school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery.
Mission
Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and families and build resilient communities by leading local programs and partnerships that improve school readiness and academic achievement, financial empowerment, and crisis response and recovery.
Vision
Our vision is strong local communities where committed networks of leaders and organizations are united to provide children and families the education, financial skills, and resources necessary to be successful today and resilient in times of community crisis.
2022 Initiatives & Impact 
2022 Holiday Gift Drive
This year, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s annual Holiday Gift Drive helped to make the holiday season memorable for 252 local children and families.
25th Annual Red Feather Ball
On September 23rd, 2022, United Way of Santa Barbara County hosted its 25th annual Red Feather Ball. The gala is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year, supporting United Way’s academic programming and initiatives.
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2022 Fun in the Sun Summer Learning Program
Since 1997, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has provided Fun in the Sun, a collaborative summer learning program for local students and families. 2022 marks the program’s 25th year of operation, celebrating a long tradition of community partnerships and engagement to support Santa Barbara youth.
Upcoming Events
100th Anniversary Celebration
June 1, 2023
Join United Way for a celebration of the community partners who make the work we do possible.
Red Feather Ball
October 13, 2023
Now in its 26th year, this year's Red Feather Ball will be a celebration of the original "Red Feather" campaign supported by the Community Chest in the 20th century.
Keep up with our latest anniversary activities
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