Commission
The First 5 Santa Barbara County, Children and Families Commission was established in February 1999 to plan and oversee the estimated $4.5 million in Proposition 10 funds that come into the county each year. The 13-member Commission (9 commissioners and 4 alternates) works closely with an Advisory Board, families, local community based organizations, public agencies and the community-at-large to set local priorities that support the optimal development of Santa Barbara County's youngest children.
The Commission serves as a grant-maker responsible for allocating Proposition 10 resources in Santa Barbara County. It has also established its role as:
- A community partner working with existing public and private organizations for the benefit of children;
- A catalyst to promote community support for young children and families;
- A convener and facilitator to bring together individuals and agencies with common goals
The Commission is locally focused on the children and families of Santa Barbara County and an active partner with the State and other County Commissions on issues and areas of common concern.
Advisory Board
The Advisory Board provides advice to the Commission on specific areas of interest, is involved in Commission policy and planning activities, participates in the grant-making process and serves on Commission committees and workgroups.
Our Impact
We know that our investments are having a positive impact on young children and families in our community. Click here: to see some of the changes that we have seen as a result of our community investments and partnerships