FAQs

The Foundation for Santa Barbara High School is a non-profit organization formed by parents who saw a significant discrepancy between the needs of the students and the school’s available funding, and were motivated to provide Santa Barbara High School students with the best possible education. (Our original name was the Santa Barbara High School Education Foundation, but it is the same organization.)

The Foundation for Santa Barbara High School works closely with the administration of the school to identify funding priorities that address critical needs of the school, have the potential to positively impact a majority of students, and are outside the scope of the school budget.

A first-class public school serves the interests of our entire community.  Not only does it meet the needs of all students, from the highest achieving to those needing additional support, but also it enhances our property values and enriches the culture of our city.  By investing in Santa Barbara High School, we are investing in the future of our youth, as well as in the future of Santa Barbara.

Historically, tax dollars have not covered the cost of providing a strong academic experience. In recent years, the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s funding per student has been about the same as the state average. Using 2015 data, EdWeek calculated that the national average spent on education is $12,526 and CA only spent $9,417 per pupil. That’s a funding gap of over $3,000 per student. Recent studies rank California 41^st to 43^rd in the nation when factoring in cost of living (EdWeek 2018, CA Budget and Policy Center, 2017). To receive a high quality education, funding levels would ideally exceed the national average in per pupil funding and that’s where the Foundation strives to bridge the gap, seeking private funding and corporate partnerships to ensure excellent programming for all students.

Please make a commitment to your school and give as much as you can! Large or small, every donation makes a difference, and the Foundation appreciates gifts of all sizes. A high level of participation in the Dons Annual Fund and in our capital fundraising tells our community that our parents and alumni support the school and help us in raising funds from outside sources such as corporations and foundations.

Yes. The Foundation for Santa Barbara High School is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Tax ID# 26-0312564. (Our former name is the Santa Barbara High School Education Foundation and some of our paperwork is still in transition. Gifts remain tax-deductible with this ID #!)

The Foundation for SBHS welcomes volunteers and there are many ways to get involved, from helping with a fundraising event to providing administrative assistance in the office.  If you have time to give, please call 805-966-9101 x5225 or email info@foundationforsbhs.org.

For more information about the Foundation for SBHS, volunteer opportunities, or how to make a donation, please call 805-966-9101 x5225 or email info@foundationforsbhs.org.