Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara

10/12/2026

The Scholarship Foundation has received its 14th consecutive four-star rating from Charity Navigator. Our organization is in VERY elite company when it comes to financial efficiency and transparency – just 2 percent of U.S. nonprofits receive 10 consecutive four-star ratings, and we've now received 23 in 24 years!

The Scholarship Foundation has received its 14th consecutive four-star rating from nonprofit evaluator Charity Navigator. The rating – Charity Navigator’s highest – indicates superior financial efficiency and transparency in Scholarship Foundation operations. The Foundation has now received 23...

10/09/2026

Making it look easy: The bulk of our internally processed fall appeal packets went to the post office today. This is a genuinely massive undertaking, and as is the case each year it all came together seamlessly under the expert guidance of the incomparable Nicole Jones (right). Providing invaluable assistance throughout the process were Alyssa Saavedra (left), Neysa Moncada, Joanna Gonzalez, and Sarahi Larios Cruz. What an extraordinary team! Fantastic work, everyone!

10/07/2026

We are pleased to report that our television spot is once again airing throughout the region. Our thanks to our local NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX affiliates (KSBY, KEYT, KCOY, and KKFX).

10/05/2026

A reminder: Scholarship Foundation program advisors have unrivaled expertise on all matters relating to college financial aid. Have questions? Need guidance? Contact a Foundation program advisor today!

09/24/2026

09/22/2026

Meet Eduardo Coronel, our newest Program Advisor. A native of Santa Maria, Eduardo is a graduate of both Santa Maria High School and Allan Hancock College, and later earned a bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of La Verne. He is passionate about higher education, and in his free time volunteers at the Santa Maria Food Bank. If you're a North County resident and have financial aid questions, seek this man out!

09/18/2026

We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Norm Habermann. A great friend to our organization and numerous others doing important work in our community, Norm was a Scholarship Foundation Board member for 27 years, serving on various committees. In addition to funding annual SFSB scholarships for nearly 30 years, he and wife Jane became Scholars Circle members in 2008. Their generous philanthropy and advocacy bolstered other educational organizations as well, in addition to area healthcare efforts. In the words of Foundation President and CEO Calen Ouellette, the community has lost a true civic pillar and champion of education. Thank you, Norm. We will miss you.

Norman Neil Habermann Norman Neil Habermann, an incredible husband, father, grandfather, accomplished business leader, philanthropist, athlete, and friend

09/15/2026

National Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off today! We couldn't be prouder to acknowledge and recognize the inestimable contributions of our Latino neighbors to the fabric of this wonderfully unique community!

09/11/2026

Meet new SFSB Board member Kimberly Schizas: https://tinyurl.com/56668efh. A local developer of note and a longtime civic leader, Kimberly has served on a host of area nonprofit boards and public commissions. For the past 30 years, she has been a partner in Wynmark Company, whose projects have included Camino Real Marketplace, Girsh Park, Maravilla senior living community, and the Marriott Courtyard Hotel, all in Goleta. Welcome, Kimberly!

09/09/2026

And a related reminder: Our application for 2027-28 opens October 15!