Towbes Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,370,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Santa Barbara County, California

Contact Details

• Website: towbesfoundation.org (currently not functional)
• Mailing Address: PO Box 20130, Santa Barbara, CA 93120-0130
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Towbes Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1980 in Santa Barbara, California. With total assets of approximately $50.4 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes over $1.3 million annually in charitable contributions. The foundation focuses on education (including scholarships), medical research (particularly neurological diseases), performing arts, and the promotion and preservation of the free enterprise system. Led by President Lynn C. Towbes and Executive Director Dr. Kristen Sullivan, the foundation represents the philanthropic legacy of the Towbes family in the Santa Barbara community.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

• Education: Including scholarship programs for students
• Medical Research: With special emphasis on neurological disease research
• Performing Arts: Supporting arts organizations and cultural programs
• Free Enterprise System: Promotion and preservation initiatives
• Youth Mental Health: Through the 4R fund, supporting organizations that improve youth social-emotional health and mental wellness in Santa Barbara County

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

• President: Lynn C. Towbes
• Executive Director: Kristen Sullivan, PhD (compensation: $163,248 in 2024)
• Board Members: Include Sheridah Gerard, Robert L. Skinner, and Allison Lewis Towbes
• Additional Family Member: Carrie Towbes (involved with 4R fund for youth mental health)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships within the Santa Barbara community.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Success Rates

Not available - the foundation does not accept public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

As a private foundation without a public application process, organizations seeking support from the Towbes Foundation should focus on:

• Building relationships within the Santa Barbara philanthropic community
• Aligning with the foundation's stated priority areas
• Demonstrating impact in education, medical research, performing arts, or youth mental health
• Establishing credibility and visibility within Santa Barbara County

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Towbes Foundation is a well-established private foundation with significant assets and consistent annual giving
• There is no public application process - grants are made through trustee discretion
• Focus areas are clearly defined: education, medical research (neurological), performing arts, and free enterprise
• Geographic focus appears to be primarily Santa Barbara County
• The foundation has a professional executive director, suggesting structured grant management despite the lack of public applications
• Youth mental health has emerged as an additional priority area through the 4R fund

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Towbes Foundation Profile (accessed January 2026)
• GuideStar Profile for Towbes Foundation, EIN 95-3519577 (accessed January 2026)
• Santa Barbara Foundation website - mention of Carrie Towbes and 4R fund (accessed January 2026)
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile (accessed January 2026)