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Celebrating our anniversary annually by supporting local nonprofits our associates are passionate about.
Our Founder Michael Towbes created the Anniversary Grants program to broaden our bank's commitment to the communities we serve and to ensure each of the bank's associates, now over 250 strong, has a direct voice in the direction of our corporate giving. And since 1990, our associates have jumped at the chance to show their support for the organizations that mean so much to them.
Each year, we celebrate our anniversary by honoring local nonprofit agencies - all hand-selected by Montecito Bank & Trust associates. Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Anniversary Grants recipients. Our community would not be the vibrant place it is without these organizations and their dedicated teams. Thank you for your tireless work helping to make the local communities thrive!
We invite you to learn more about the 2026 recipients by watching the 1-minute videos shared at our Anniversary Grants Celebration.
Corporate philanthropy has been in the Bank’s DNA from day one, March 17, 1975. It all started with a simple offer – open a new account and the Bank will donate $5 to a nonprofit of the new client’s choice.
So how does 5 dollars become over 30 million dollars, fifty years later?
The answer lies in the relationship between a simple vision, to make the communities we serve better places to live and work, a company’s culture of giving back and a community that enjoys making a difference wherever they can. Combined they have been the heartbeat of Montecito Bank & Trust since 1975.
During our first decade we had special accounts and promotions that benefited local nonprofits in the form of donations. For the Bank’s 15th Anniversary, Michael Towbes and Tom Fly opted to celebrate the milestone by creating a new vehicle for giving back and celebrating the organizations that mean so much to our associates, and so Anniversary Grants was born. Making its debut in 1990, Anniversary Grants awarded ten associate selected nonprofits each a $1,000 check. 35 years later, this program has awarded over 680 thousand dollars to more than 180 unique nonprofits across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties!
In 2003, Michael Towbes’ next philanthropic idea manifested into what has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition for the Bank and the Central Coast nonprofit community - the Community Dividends Luncheon. One million dollars (and in some years even more!) is given away to over 100 nonprofits across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties through this program, and the luncheon brings the organizations together to celebrate and give thanks for the incredible work they do in helping to make the communities we serve better places to live and work.
Since its inception, Community Dividends has now provided over $23 million to over 500 nonprofits up and down the Central Coast. It’s no wonder why Michael Towbes cited this as being his favorite day of the year!
As the Bank’s annual giving evolved, four distinct pillars emerged as foundations of our corporate philanthropy - Arts & Culture; Health & Medical; Social Services; and Youth & Education. And today those same four pillars guide our corporate philanthropy and sponsorship programs.
On that journey from five dollars to over 30 million, we’ve also added in Associate Matching and Board Matching programs, allowing the Bank to further support the missions and organizations our associates and Directors are passionate about AND increase the impact of their giving!
After opening our doors over 50 years ago, the Montecito Bank & Trust team is pretty proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish; we are incredibly honored to carry forward the vision and legacy of our Founder, Michael Towbes; and we are forever grateful to the people, businesses and organizations that entrust us with their financial relationships every day.
We invite you to join us on this journey of continuing to make the communities we each call home, better places to live and work.
Corporate philanthropy has been in the Bank’s DNA from day one, March 17, 1975. It all started with a simple offer – open a new account and the Bank will donate $5 to a nonprofit of the new client’s choice.
So how does 5 dollars become over 30 million dollars, fifty years later?
The answer lies in the relationship between a simple vision, to make the communities we serve better places to live and work, a company’s culture of giving back and a community that enjoys making a difference wherever they can. Combined they have been the heartbeat of Montecito Bank & Trust since 1975.
During our first decade we had special accounts and promotions that benefited local nonprofits in the form of donations. For the Bank’s 15th Anniversary, Michael Towbes and Tom Fly opted to celebrate the milestone by creating a new vehicle for giving back and celebrating the organizations that mean so much to our associates, and so Anniversary Grants was born. Making its debut in 1990, Anniversary Grants awarded ten associate selected nonprofits each a $1,000 check. 35 years later, this program has awarded over 680 thousand dollars to more than 180 unique nonprofits across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties!
In 2003, Michael Towbes’ next philanthropic idea manifested into what has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition for the Bank and the Central Coast nonprofit community - the Community Dividends Luncheon. One million dollars (and in some years even more!) is given away to over 100 nonprofits across Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties through this program, and the luncheon brings the organizations together to celebrate and give thanks for the incredible work they do in helping to make the communities we serve better places to live and work.
Since its inception, Community Dividends has now provided over $23 million to over 500 nonprofits up and down the Central Coast. It’s no wonder why Michael Towbes cited this as being his favorite day of the year!
As the Bank’s annual giving evolved, four distinct pillars emerged as foundations of our corporate philanthropy - Arts & Culture; Health & Medical; Social Services; and Youth & Education. And today those same four pillars guide our corporate philanthropy and sponsorship programs.
On that journey from five dollars to over 30 million, we’ve also added in Associate Matching and Board Matching programs, allowing the Bank to further support the missions and organizations our associates and Directors are passionate about AND increase the impact of their giving!
After opening our doors over 50 years ago, the Montecito Bank & Trust team is pretty proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish; we are incredibly honored to carry forward the vision and legacy of our Founder, Michael Towbes; and we are forever grateful to the people, businesses and organizations that entrust us with their financial relationships every day.
We invite you to join us on this journey of continuing to make the communities we each call home, better places to live and work.
My name is Dr. Jacqueline McDonough, and I am the Executive Director of Angels Foster Care, where every child is provided a loving and a safe home. Since 2006, we've dedicated our hearts to infants and toddlers in foster care throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.
Imagine a baby —through no fault of their own—facing uncertainty and fear. Our trained social workers, armed with compassion and expertise, place these children in stable, nurturing homes where they can heal and grow. Each of the 330 children we've helped has a unique story, and we've watched many find their forever families or reunite with loved ones, igniting hope and joy.
Our mission goes beyond mere placements; our mission is to provide consistent care—each child finds warmth in one home. Join us in transforming lives, giving vulnerable children a brighter future, because together, we can make miracles happen. Let’s bring hope where it’s needed most.
At ASAP Cats, our mission is to save and serve the cats and kittens of Santa Barbara County. From adoptions and fostering, to behavior training through our Tiny Lions Program, we've been helping felines find their forever homes since 1989. Need affordable cat vaccines or spay and neuter services? We do that. Looking for a mouser to keep critters away from your ranch? Come meet our Working Cats. Whether we're feeding cat colonies in the community or fundraising for kitties needing expensive surgeries, saving cats is our mission.
Cat business is what we do best at ASAP, and as we extend from our little purple shelter on Overpass Road to our mobile wellness clinic on the go, we will continue helping every cat in need we come across.
At Bethania Preschool and After School Program, our mission is to partner with families to support each child’s cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, and physical development. We envision a nurturing environment where children grow in confidence, curiosity, and self-worth while discovering the joy of learning.
We proudly serve our community by providing a safe, inclusive space for children of all backgrounds, abilities, and family needs. Through play-based learning, strong family connections, and compassionate educators, we create meaningful experiences that support working families and lifelong growth.
What sets us apart is our whole-child approach, dedicated staff, and deep commitment to inclusivity for all. Every child is welcomed, supported, and celebrated for who they are. At Bethania, we don’t just educate we build a caring community where wonder is encouraged, differences are embraced, and every child has the opportunity to thrive.
BCRC is a small but mighty team, strengthened by a passionate volunteer community. Many are former clients who understand, firsthand, what it means to walk through a breast cancer diagnosis. Their continued involvement is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of peer support and giving back.
BCRC is an independent, non-clinical support service organization that works alongside a broader network of cancer care providers to help women access resources, guidance, and find community. Here, women are encouraged to make informed decisions as they move toward survivorship and mindful well-being.
We work in emotions, creating a safe space where people can be seen, heard, and supported through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and loss.
We work in truth, providing reliable education, peer guidance, and honest conversations that empower people to make informed decisions.
And we work in hope. Not false promises, but the real hope that comes from knowing you are not alone.
Hi, my name is Melissa Lalum, a volunteer with the Ventura County Animal Services Bunny Brigade.
Every day, rabbits arrive at our shelter needing love, care, and a second chance. That's where we come in.
The Bunny Brigade is a dedicated group of specialized volunteers providing daily care, enrichment, and socialization that helps each bunny feel safe and become adoptable. We are always seeking volunteers to join us!
Did you know rabbits are the third most surrendered animal in shelters, right behind dogs and cats? Bunnies make wonderful indoor pets. They're quiet, litter box trained, and each one has a completely unique personality — curious, playful, and full of charm.
At the Bunny Brigade, we educate the public on proper care for house rabbits, fundraise for medical treatments, and champion spaying and neutering throughout Ventura County… Because every rabbit deserves a loving forever home — and maybe that home is yours.
At Cottage Children’s Medical Center, we see every day how important it is for families to have exceptional pediatric care close to home.
From the Birth Center and Mother-Infant Unit to our hospital pediatric units and the Grotenhuis Pediatric Clinics, families can find the care their children need at every stage, right here in our community.
What makes this care so meaningful is the team behind it. Our pediatric teams work together to provide personalized, compassionate care to meet the unique needs of each child and family—and philanthropy helps give them the tools and resources they need to do their best work.
As a regional referral center, families across the Central Coast trust us to be here when they need us most, and community support helps ensure we can continue our mission to provide superior healthcare and improve the health of our communities.
It’s truly a privilege to care for the children and families of the Central Coast, and we are grateful for everyone who helps makes this care possible.
Raise your hand if you’ve had cancer, or if a family member or friend has. We all have a story….most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. Cruzin’ For Life was born from that reality. My dad, a co-founder along with several others, believed no one fighting cancer should have to worry about getting to treatment. The first thing Cruzin’ For Life did was provide a car for Mission Hope so patients could get to chemotherapy. Since then, we’ve supported families through organizations like Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, helping with transportation, and 17 Strong, granting wishes that often require travel.
What started with a shared love for cars and a desire to help grew into a community driven by heart. Today, we stand beside patients, survivors, and families during some of the hardest days of their lives.
Through our car cruises, shows, auctions, and Sweetheart Crab Feed….. all catered by our board…..we maximize every dollar to help patients and families get where they need to be.
After 18 years of volunteering and now serving on the board, I’m proud to continue a legacy that I hope makes our community stronger.
We invite you to stand with us….sponsor, attend, get involved….and help us keep driving hope forward.
Hello everyone, I’m Grace Fisher, founder of the Grace Fisher Foundation. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through free access to the arts, creating a welcoming space where everyone can connect, create, and thrive. We envision a community where people of all abilities feel valued and celebrated, and where creativity builds confidence, connection, and belonging.
At our Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, we bring programs to life in a magical and inspiring setting. For adults, we collaborate with Alpha Resource Center and Devereux, whose residents join us for adaptive art sessions exploring paint, texture, and collage in a supportive environment. For children, we partner with Mosaic Therapy Collective to offer Sing, Sign, and Dance and Musical Learning with Lanny. Designed with speech-language pathologists, these music and movement classes support communication and language development in joyful, engaging ways.
Together, these programs spark creativity, strengthen community, and break down barriers, because the arts are for everyone.
The Royal Theater Production Fund proudly supports the theater program at San Marcos High School, where students can explore acting at every level, stagecraft, play production, and technical theater, including lighting, sound, and costuming.
RTPF was created to support students who are artists and strive for excellence in their craft. We believe deeply in the growth and confidence that performing arts foster, and in the lasting impact that time spent on stage—whether in ensemble or solo work—has on young people.
We also support Euphony, a multi-high-school community show choir that competes annually at the Musical Theater Competition of America. This year, students earned first place in Advanced High School performance and eight individual international awards amongst the 1200 international attendees.
Royals Theater is proud to invest in Santa Barbara youth providing scholarships and coaching to help local alumni as they pursue a future in the arts. Royals Theater believes that a whole person approach to student development helps them grow into confident, resilient individuals and lifelong pursuers of their dreams.
Standing Together to End Sexual Assault was founded in 1974 to support survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones.
Sexual assault occurs in epidemic proportions, where 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence over their lifetime. However, at STESA, we hold the vision that one day we will end this brutal crime.
STESA conducts programs for both the intervention and prevention of sexual assault. Each year, our volunteers and staff members provide sexual assault prevention education to thousands in our community.
We offer avenues for survivors to engage their healing and recover from trauma. We are committed to transforming lives by providing services and education to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Please join us in supporting our work by becoming a volunteer, by making a contribution, or attending our mouth-watering Chocolate de Vine Event. On behalf of our those we serve, thank you for your support and for moving us closer to ending sexual assault in our community.
What does a healthy community look like?
It looks like a child receiving the checkup their family couldn’t otherwise afford.
A senior managing diabetes with dignity.
A neighbor finding hope and healing in recovery.
At Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, this happens every single day.
For more than 52 years, we have served as the healthcare safety net for South Santa Barbara County — caring for one in every ten residents. More than 20,000 patients rely on us each year for compassionate, affordable, high-quality care. And with the opening of our new Westside Clinic, that number will grow to more than 28,000.
Across five medical clinics, three dental clinics, behavioral health services, and a bridge clinic supporting individuals facing substance use disorders, we meet people where they are — and help them move toward healthier futures.
But community health doesn’t happen alone.
It happens because people like you believe everyone deserves care.
Stand with us. Invest in healthier neighbors. Strengthen our community.
In 2020 we introduced the Jerry Parent Anniversary Grants Legacy Award to honor the decades-long selfless community contributions of long-time Board Director, Jerry Parent. The award is intended to recognize organizations that create sustainable change and positive impact.
To receive this award, organizations are nominated by a bank associate. The applications are then reviewed by a committee with input given from Mr. Parent. The recipient is selected by the committee and then announced at our Anniversary Grants Celebration!
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics provides compassionate, affordable, and responsive healthcare to vulnerable populations.
Learn about how, why, and how MB&T will always give back to our communities.
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