City of Santa Barbara in Partnership with Fund for Santa Barbara Announces 2025 Immigrant Relief Fund Grant Awards

The City of Santa Barbara, in partnership with the Fund for Santa Barbara, is proud to announce the allocation of $333,000 in grant funding through the City of Santa Barbara Immigrant Relief Fund (SBCIRF) Grant Program. This funding, allocated by City Council in response to the impact of escalating federal immigration enforcement activities in our region, supports local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services to immigrant communities, including individuals and families working and/or residing in the City of Santa Barbara.

“All people, including immigrants, deserve safety, dignity, and the opportunity to thrive in the place they call home,” said Eder Gaona Macedo, Executive Director at The Fund for Santa Barbara. “At a time of increased violence, when fear and division shape national policy, these organizations embody the best of our community—standing up for our undocumented neighbors through legal defense, housing, advocacy, and emergency care, and helping keep families together while protecting the promise of a just and inclusive democracy.”

The Fund for Santa Barbara was selected by the City to manage the application process and review submissions. After a competitive process, six applicants were recommended for funding based on their demonstrated impact, community trust, and capacity to deliver culturally responsive services.   

Grant recipients and award amounts include:

• 805 UndocuFund – $100,000
  For emergency financial assistance to undocumented families on a growing waitlist for support.
• IMPORTA Santa Barbara – $100,000
  To cover immigration application and medical exam fees for low-income undocumented individuals and mixed-status families.
• Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County – $58,000
  To support immigration legal services for survivors of intimate partner violence and other vulnerable residents.
• Future Leaders of America – $25,000
  For emergency preparedness, legal referrals, and community outreach to immigrant families.
• Immigrant Hope Santa Barbara – $25,000
  To subsidize legal service fees and provide transportation and training for immigration support.
• Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) – $25,000
  To expand legal assistance for Indigenous migrant communities through its MILA program.

These awards are in addition to a $130,000 grant to the Immigrant Legal Defense Center that will support the hiring of a new full-time staff attorney that will help address the waitlist for individuals and families in the City of Santa Barbara. The total amount requested by applicants was $645,000, underscoring the significant and ongoing need for immigrant support services in the region.

“This significant level of support reflects the City’s continued commitment to equity, safety, and dignity for all residents—regardless of immigration status,” said City Administrator Kelly McAdoo. “We are grateful to The Fund for Santa Barbara for their leadership in administering this process and to the organizations who work tirelessly to serve our immigrant communities.”

For more information about the City of Santa Barbara Immigrant Relief Fund, please contact the City Administrator’s Office.