Frequently asked questions
- Does The Foundation Roundtable make grants as an organization?
No, all funders follow their own foundation’s mission for granting funds.
- Can my organization make a presentation to the Roundtable membership? The Roundtable generally focuses on broad topics rather than on specific groups or campaigns. However, members of the Roundtable may, from time to time, invite representatives of an organization to educate the group regarding an issue of interest.
- Can anyone attend Partnership for Excellence (PFE)?
The conference is open to all nonprofit staff and board members that serve organizations in Santa Barbara County. Sponsored by The Foundation Roundtable, for 30 years the Partnership for Excellence convenes hundreds of Santa Barbara County nonprofit and foundation leaders to learn, network, and collaborate together.
- When is the next PFE?
The next PFE will be on September 1, 2026. For more information, visit https://www.partnershipforexcellence.org/.
- As a funder, can I join The Foundation Roundtable?
The Roundtable welcomes funders who meet the following criteria: • The organization must meet attorney general requirement status of nonprofit foundation. • The Foundation must distribute through grantmaking at least $100,000 annually within Santa Barbara County. • The Foundation must have more than a single nonprofit of interest and not of a political nature.
- I have a Donor Advised Fund. Am I eligible to participate?
Yes, as long as there are multiple grantees receiving combined funding over $100,000 funding in Santa Barbara County.
- Are north Santa Barbara County funders represented?
Funders located anywhere who support Santa Barbara County nonprofits in the amount of $100,000 or more are welcome.
- Can a business or corporate giver join the Roundtable?
Contact the Foundation Roundtable Administrator with your request, please!
- How many times a year does the Roundtable meet?
The members meet once a month with the exception of July. There are social gatherings from time to time.
- Does the Roundtable focus on advocacy or public policy work?
Not collectively as a group.