PHILANTHROPY
In a community defined by greatness, Montecito and Santa Barbara have a long tradition of community service and philanthropy. Their unique commitment to the community epitomizes the spirit of the residents and adds immeasurable depth to their quality of life. The team has personal and long-lasting ties with the following causes in our community. Learn more about some of the area’s most beloved organizations supported by Riskin Partners.
TRANSITION HOUSE is a local Santa Barbara charity dedicated to solving homelessness in our community. They assist capable and eager families with the resources they need to restore their self-sufficiency. Transition house offers respectable residential facilities to the families they help, as well as homelessness prevention services and comprehensive programs for children.
“Several years ago I volunteered to tutor children that were at Transition House. I saw firsthand the impact of what being homeless was like for these kids, for their parents as well. What I love most about what Transition House does is they not only provide shelter for families in need but more importantly they help them get back on their feet and find permanent housing, in a way that is sustainable in ending the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Being in the business of finding people their homes, I see firsthand everyday how important “home” is to a family. Having worked closely with these children, I also got to see the impacts of not having a stable home. Transition House not only helps people to find a home, but it also helps to restore a families’ pride.” - Dina
ORGANIC SOUP KITCHEN aims to ensure food security in the community for a diverse demographic of cancer patients, and chronically ill or low-income seniors. They provide plant-based oncology nutrition in order to strengthen the immune systems of their clients. Their goal is to not only bring awareness to communities where the most vulnerable are sick but also ensure sustainability in their impact.
“It’s become very important to me to support the Organic Soup Kitchen because my Dad is a cancer survivor and they are a local non-profit that provides metabolic oncology nutrition and food security to cancer patients, chronically ill and low-income seniors in direct alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) set forth by the United Nations. In addition, they use eco-conscious production and they just retooled their SoupMeal packaging to be 100% compostable. I love supporting grassroots organizations like this that help our underprivileged community!” - Sarah
TRI-COUNTIES REGIONAL CENTER is a nonprofit organization that stretches along the California coast from San Luis Obispo County to Ventura County, providing support services for those who struggle with developmental disabilities. The organization offers personal and family-centered assistance to maximize their clients’ opportunities for living, working, learning, and succeeding in the community.
“The Tri-Counties regional center is an organization especially close to my heart given my autistic sister, Julia, has been a client of theirs for many years. They go above and beyond to provide fantastic support for my sister and so many others in need.” - Robert
THE SANTA BARBARA BOWL OUTREACH PROGRAM provides support services to performing arts programs in schools for grades K-12. They supply necessary resources, as well as artistic opportunities to encourage students to get involved and embrace their creative side in school and at home.
“I grew up in a family of musicians (both my dad and brother play professionally) and am proud to support the Santa Barbara Bowl. After closing during the pandemic, it's been wonderful to be back at the Bowl and embrace this beloved Santa Barbara landmark. The Bowl is a wonderful and vibrant venue that not only brings incredible talent to our community but also supports budding musicians throughout Santa Barbara. From kids concerts to instrument funds and the pianos on State Street, the Santa Barbara Bowl helps foster the arts and is part of what makes our town so special.” - Jasmine
In addition to the aforementioned organizations, we are deeply committed to various local and global causes that resonate closely with our values. The rest of the list comprises other organizations we actively support or have contributed to, each holding a special place in our mission to make a meaningful impact.
AUTISM SPEAKS is dedicated to promoting solutions for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. This is done through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
CALM aims to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County. The organization has developed a variety of trauma-informed, evidence-based programs and services that effectively treat child abuse and promote healing, along with programs that successfully prevent trauma through family strengthening and support.
THE ELLEN FUND supports global conservation efforts for endangered species as well as uplifting women and conservationists of color to inspire the hope that anyone can make a difference. In 2021, The Ellen Fund launched their Endangered campaign to raise $1 million to support the species and communities that were featured in Ellen’s documentary Endangered.
FOODBANK OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY is ending hunger and transforming the health of Santa Barbara County through good nutrition. They serve the community as a leader and expert in improving the nutritional health of our county through increased food security. Wondering how to help? Click the link below to learn more ways you can support the Foodbank’s effort to provide food to seniors, families, and individuals in Santa Barbara County during the COVID-19 crisis.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE CENTER protects nature, wildlife, and communities on the Central Coast through advocacy and legal action. Born as a response to the devastating 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, EDC has been on the front lines of the fight for our local environment and the earth’s climate for almost 50 years. In that time, EDC has worked with close to 140 nonprofit partners to successfully protect clean air and water, stop fossil fuel expansion, and preserve more than 100,000 acres of open space in this special part of the state. Recent wins include a ban on fracking offshore of California and a settlement that will help endangered steelhead make a comeback in Santa Barbara County rivers.
THE MONTECITO TRAILS FOUNDATION is dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of public trails in Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria. In the wake of the Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flow parts of the community, trails were faced with significant rebuilding needs. The dedicated members and patrons of the MTF have already made incredible strides and thanks to their hard work, made possible by membership, donations, and grants, nearly all of the trails are open for visitors.
THE MONTECITO UNION SCHOOL FOUNDATION was founded in 2018 with goals to enhance academic, athletic and arts programs, enrich the student experience with technology, curriculum, and improve classroom resources, and elevate teachers through professional development and continued education.
ONE805 was created in direct response to the Thomas Fire and subsequent Montecito Debris Flow. Today, One805 is a permanent corporation, raising funds for all three First Responder groups - Fire, Police, and Sheriff - purchasing equipment. With so many things that cannot be provided by their budgets, community support has been an impactful way to prepare for future natural disasters that are inevitable in California.
THE SANTA BARBARA BUCKET BRIGADE (“SB3”) was formed to organize a community volunteer response to the tragic debris flow of January 9, 2018, which devastated the community of Montecito in Santa Barbara County, CA. The disaster caused 23 fatalities and over 150 injuries. More than 100 homes were destroyed and an additional 300 homes were damaged. Since the disaster, SB3 has led over 3,000 volunteers into the community to help those directly affected by the debris flow – digging mud and debris out of homes, helping families find lost belongings, cleaning up public open spaces, helping to restore local trails and rescuing endangered oak trees.
TEACHER’S FUND was created in 2002 by Village Properties owner, Renee Grubb, to help Santa Barbara County teachers and students get the tools and materials needed for their classrooms. Since its inception, The Teacher’s Fund has granted more than $1,600,000 to public and private kindergarten, elementary middle and high school teachers and students and helped to fund countless projects, books, science experiments, necessities for special ed students, and endless creative endeavors.
VNA HEALTH FOUNDATION Founded in 1908, VNA Health is California’s third oldest Visiting Nurse Association and continues to be a leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive in-home healthcare, helping patients and their families live well at home, wherever they reside and call home. VNA Health provides Home Health Care, Palliative Care, Hospice Care, Bereavement Care, and Community Care programs such as the Loan Closet, and We Honor Veterans. VNA Health also offers Serenity House, a home away from home, for patients in need of 24/7 inpatient care. Licensed to serve the communities of Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and San Luis Obispo County, the vision of VNA Health is that every person lives with health and dignity.
