HOLIDAY GIVING: REMEMBER SANTA BARBARA NONPROFITS

Back to Articles

‘Tis the season for generosity! What better way to embody the holiday spirit than by supporting organizations dedicated to meaningful causes? This time of year, we’re reminded of the strength and compassion that defines the Santa Barbara community. By giving back to local nonprofits, we brighten lives and strengthen the ties that make this community one of the most special places to live. Consider these exceptional nonprofits for your holiday giving in 2024, whether you’re inspired to share in your name or want to make a charitable donation as a thoughtful gift for someone else. Each of the charities below represents the unique values of Santa Barbara and the surrounding communities.

Santa Barbara shoreline at sunset, with a row of palm trees, and with a semi-transparent heart superimposed. — Photo credit: Jennifer LeMay

Unwrap the Gift of Giving

Supporting the work of nonprofits takes center stage at this time of year. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference, whether giving for yourself or as thoughtful holiday gifts. To streamline your giving journey, I've compiled a list of some of my preferred nonprofits for your consideration. Each one is poised to make a significant impact with your valuable support.

Casa del Herrero

Casa del Herrero is a treasure for lovers of architecture, history, and culture. This historic Montecito estate, designed by renowned architect George Washington Smith, is a Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece. The estate’s 1920s-era home and Moorish-inspired gardens are so iconic that they have earned designation as a National Historic Landmark.

What They Do
The Casa transports visitors back to the splendor of the 1920s and 1930s, offering a glimpse into Montecito’s golden age. Managed by a nonprofit organization, the estate preserves the original owners' extensive fine and decorative art collection, horticultural records, and historical artifacts.

What They Need
Financial donations are vital to maintaining and restoring the house, gardens, and collections. Casa del Herrero also welcomes volunteers to serve as docents or help care for the gardens. Your contribution supports the preservation of one of Santa Barbara’s cultural gems.

Four female college graduates pose for a photo in their caps and gowns. — Photo credit: SBCC Foundation

Santa Barbara City College Foundation

Since 1976, the SBCC Foundation empowers students through philanthropy. This vital organization provides funding for scholarships, emergency grants, and innovative programs, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

What They Do
The Foundation annually awards more than $5 million to Santa Barbara City College students. Its initiatives include the SBCC Promise, which enables recent high school graduates to attend SBCC tuition-free for two years.

What They Need
By donating, you invest in the future of Santa Barbara’s young leaders. Your contributions directly support programs that make higher education accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

Two Santa Barbara firefighters at a staging area, with firetrucks parked against a hill and smoke in the blue sky beyond the hill. — Photo credit: Mike Eliason

One805

Founded in response to the devastating 2018 Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito mudslides, One805 is a heartfelt tribute to the heroic efforts of First Responders. This nonprofit organization recognizes their bravery while addressing critical needs within the local fire, police, and sheriff departments. Thanks to this organization, these agencies are better equipped to protect and serve the community during times of crisis. Its mission is to foster resilience and readiness for the challenges ahead.

What They Do
One805 raises funds for state-of-the-art equipment and critical counseling services for First Responders, ensuring they have the tools and support to protect our community.

What They Need
Become a One805 member or make a financial contribution. Your holiday gift helps secure life-saving equipment and resources for those who dedicate their lives to keeping Santa Barbara safe.

C.A.R.E.4Paws

C.A.R.E.4Paws is dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and enhancing the welfare of pet families across California’s Central Coast, including right here in Santa Barbara. Recognizing the profound importance of the human-animal bond, the organization strives to preserve that connection by offering a safety net of critical services for low-income, senior, disabled, and unhoused community members. Their mission is to keep pets healthy, out of shelters, and with their families for life. Animal lovers will appreciate C.A.R.E.4Paws' compassionate approach to supporting pet owners in need while promoting responsible pet care and ensuring a brighter future for both pets and their families.

What They Do
C.A.R.E.4Paws provides spay/neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, pet food assistance, and education to underserved communities. In 2022, the nonprofit expanded into San Luis Obispo County, broadening its reach to help even more pets and their families.

What They Need
Your donation ensures that pets stay healthy and with their families for life. Contributions fund spay/neuter surgeries, wellness clinics, and pet food distribution.

ShelterBox

With millions displaced globally by natural disasters and conflict, ShelterBox steps in to provide emergency shelter and essential tools to families in crisis. The company empowers communities to begin rebuilding their lives. Beyond meeting immediate survival needs, the nonprofit fosters hope and resilience, offering a pathway to recovery for those who have lost everything.

What They Do
This Santa Barbara-based organization delivers customized aid packages that help families rebuild their lives after disasters. From tents to cooking supplies, ShelterBox provides immediate relief and hope. Working in partnership with local agencies and volunteers worldwide, ShelterBox ensures timely, tailored support for vulnerable families when they need it most.

What They Need
Your financial support equips displaced families with life-saving resources. A holiday donation to ShelterBox transforms lives worldwide.

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

Since 1965, the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission has been a haven for individuals facing homelessness and addiction.

What They Do
The Mission provides food, shelter, and a 12-month recovery program for those seeking to break free from the cycles of addiction and poverty. Their doors are open 365 nights a year to anyone in need.

What They Need
Financial donations enable the Rescue Mission to continue offering life-changing services. Your contribution helps provide shelter, meals, and recovery resources to those in need.

All these wonderful Santa Barbara nonprofit organizations highlight the value of Santa Barbara area residents and their generosity over the years. That compassion and empathy are additional reasons why living here is a gift. For more nonprofit organizations that could use your help, check out the new Santa Barbara Giving List book from the Montecito Journal.

A Gift to Yourself: Living in Santa Barbara

Giving back is just one way to appreciate the beauty of living in Santa Barbara. Our community’s spirit of generosity is matched only by its stunning landscapes, world-class amenities, and exceptional homes.

Make your holiday giving in 2024 truly meaningful by supporting these gift-worthy nonprofits. It’s a time for generosity, gratitude, and community—values that make this coastal hamlet truly one of a kind. In the meantime, contact me at (805) 886-9378 or email Cristal@montecito-estate.com to discuss your real estate needs. While you enjoy the holiday season and give to these worthy causes, I’ll handle every detail of your home-buying or selling journey.

Of Related Interest:

Back to Articles

Client Reviews

“It was an emotional experience selling our mother’s home in Montecito that we all loved so much but Cristal made the process easier on our whole family by guiding us through the transaction every step of the way. She knows the market so well and everything she recommended was on point including the asking price, painting, and staging the home, which looked beautiful and helped the buyer envision her new home. We sold it the first day it hit the market with an offer above asking! Cristal did an incredible job communicating with us and the buyer to ensure that the transaction would run smoothly. We highly recommend using Cristal, she was a pleasure to work with! ”

- J & A

“Cristal is a pleasure to work with! Her knowledge of the local real estate market coupled with her amazing listening skills resulted in her showing us an array of homes that were all excellent choices. Her low-pressure patient attitude made us feel extremely comfortable with the whole process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

- M.F.

“Cristal Clarke is #1 in her field - and you don't become #1 by luck. Cristal works harder, and longer, and with more charm and patience than any real estate agent I have ever worked with in the past; her calendar has no weekend, her days have no clocks, her only concern is selling your property as soon as possible and for the best price on the market. Am I a fan? You bet!”

- P.B.

“We have used Cristal now several times and cannot express how grateful we are for her expertise, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the entire home-buying process. Cristal is knowledgeable, patient and attentive. Her attention to detail is remarkable, and she consistently went above and beyond to provide us with all the information and resources we needed to make informed decisions. Cristal is a skillful negotiator and advocate. She can navigate complex negotiations with professionalism and grace and felt like a true partner to us in the home-buying process. Cristal has a genuine passion for real estate and a deep commitment to her clients' satisfaction. I cannot speak highly enough of Cristal and her exceptional service. She is a true expert in her field and her dedication to excellence, combined with unwavering support is the reason we choose to work with her for all our real estate buying needs.”

- T.C.

“Cristal is a top-notch realtor who sold my home before it ever went on the market. I had two competing offers that enabled me to get top dollar for my home. Not only is Cristal superb but her team is extraordinary. I cannot say enough about Cristal and her team. They are simply phenomenal, the consummate professionals, who took care of every possible detail, making the sale and transition period, smooth from our end. They are also lovely, caring people, who knew all the right professionals, to get the job done. Thank you, everyone!”

- D.R.

“I could list lots of cool adjectives to describe Cristal. All good by the way. But, that is not why I or anyone should hire Cristal. My reason for hiring her, which proved to be correct, is very simple. She got the job done. And, she does it time and time again and with zero issues. And, that is why she is one of the top agents in the country. End of subject. ”

- M.A.

“Working with Cristal was a complete pleasure. Cristal was extremely patient with us as we evaluated nearly 2 dozen homes over a span of 2 years. Her knowledge of the market is unmatched. Cristal provided us with exceptional counsel as we evaluated opportunities and negotiated pricing. The closing process was handled thoroughly and efficiently. We could not be happier with our purchase and even more happy to now call Cristal our friend.”

- D.K.

“Cristal Clarke has conducted numerous real estate transactions for me beginning 13 years ago with the purchase of a Lemon Ranch. She has handled both large and small purchases and sales with equal dedication. As a negotiator, you can’t find anyone better. Her transactions are always conducted in the most appropriate and professional manner. Cristal has considerable knowledge of the Santa Barbara market.”

- S.N. Decker Ph.D.

“Living in Europe, we were to say the least, unaccustomed to the nuances of Real Estate acquisition in California and Cristal steered us through the process with absolute professionalism and personal attention to detail at every turn. Her in-depth knowledge of the market place combined with enthusiasm and drive was the only reason we secured the property of our dreams and will be forever grateful. If you are looking for personal discrete and private representation of the highest quality we suggest you look no further than Cristal Clarke.”

- Johan and Paula van den Berg

“Cristal is very straightforward, cheerful, helpful, professional and trustworthy….we felt very lucky to work with her.”

- John and Lacey Williams

“After considering our many choices, we are grateful it was Cristal Clarke of Sotheby’s International who represented the sale of our Montecito cottage. We are familiar with Cristal’s reputation of hard work and dedication to clients, but it was her attention to detail that made our experience so positive. She offered suggestions for staging the property, worked in harmony with potential buyers and was even able to secure back up offers. The sale of our cottage was completed much sooner than we expected, due in great part to Cristal’s professional skills and support. We highly recommend Cristal as a first choice for anyone needing representation with real estate.”

- Michael & Nancy Lee

“Our experience in working with Cristal Clarke resulted in the successful and discrete acquisition of a property which was not yet on the open market. Her knowledge of the Montecito/Santa Barbara area and vast expertise blended with her passion for real estate and architecture, provided us with the very highest level of professionalism and personalized services. Cristal exhibited a rare combination of excellent communications, attention to detail, creativity and patience.”

- Richard and Catherine Frinier

“Cristal really breaks the mold. She knows every nook and cranny of this real estate market, understands value, and follows up on everything, all the time. She was incredibly patient with our two year quest to find the perfect house. Every house hunting trip from across the country was well planned, and our time was never wasted. On top of her professionalism and expertise, she is delightful to spend time with. We are thrilled with the home we purchased, and grateful to Cristal for so wisely advising us through this process, right through to the close and beyond.”

- Laurie Siegel

“We met Cristal first in the course of renting a winter home (for three years), then buying a house using her as our agent. She was amazingly good at listening to our wants and showing us homes that fit our needs. Her mastery of the paperwork was perfect. Most importantly, there was never a situation where we doubted her straightforwardness or integrity. If we do another real estate transaction in Montecito (which I doubt, we’re happy with what we purchased), without question we’d use Cristal again.”

- Ken Saffir

“Susan and I just want to thank you for your efforts in the sale of our home. You are really quite amazing. Your competence, persistence, optimism and humor made the entire process effortless. Every problem that arose, you somehow fixed; any obstacle, you overcame. We have bought and sold many homes. It has never been such a painless and enjoyable process!”

- Michael & Susan Marquart

“A little something about “our” realtor, Cristal Clarke. My wife and I came to Santa Barbara about fifteen years ago looking for a seasonal home from which to enjoy the weather and amenities of the central coast. Being in the real estate business myself I was familiar with agents and brokers so entered the market with open eyes. We “flipped” a few houses in the early years, dealing with various agents and finally ended up in Montecito. That’s when good fortune put us together with Cristal. To say we were impressed is to put it mildly. Cristal really knows the market. She is familiar with the area, its history and trends. When we have questions about a particular property she either has the answers immediately or gets back to us by phone or email. There is no waiting or wondering with Cristal. She is an agent who is “on top of it.” Her recommendations as to price points, contractors, inspectors and title agents have proven to be exceptional, showing great insight and the highest professional standards. We consider ourselves exceedingly fortunate to say that Cristal Clarke is our realtor and would recommend her services to any serious buyer or seller.”

- Rob & Judi Kelch