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Corporate Philanthropy

Community Dividends®

Supporting critical needs to create stronger, thriving communities.

Two bank associates pose with a large check with a million-dollar amount addressed to local nonprofits.
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A Legacy of Giving Back

This tradition began in 2003 when our late founder, Michael Towbes, invited 100 nonprofits to lunch and surprised each of them with a $10,000 check. We have carried that tradition forward each year since, giving away $1 million every November to hundreds of nonprofits across the Central Coast.

195

Nonprofits in 2024

$1M

Donated in 2024

22

Years of Giving Back

$23M+

Donated in 22 Years

The late founder of Montecito Bank & Trust gives a speech. A group poses at a Montecito Bank & Trust's Community Dividends event. The CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust gives a round of applause after making a speech. A group of nonprofits hold up their awards they received. A group poses at a Montecito Bank & Trust Community Dividends event.

Community Dividends awards a total of $1 million dollars to hundreds of 501(c)(3) designated organizations which serve low and moderate-income individuals and families in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The program awards dividends to organizations that serve the arts, youth and education, social services and medical and health services sectors.

The nonprofit honorees are invited to join bank employees in a celebration of their community commitment. It has become one of the most anticipated nonprofit events of the year, providing organizations the opportunity to socialize with their nonprofit colleagues, share ideas, build stronger bonds and reflect on their impact in the community.

Explaining the motivation behind Community Dividends, our late founder, Michael Towbes, said, "We do this because we recognize and support the invaluable role nonprofits play in enhancing the quality of life for all segments of our society. We do this to encourage other organizations to follow in our footsteps. We do this to encourage our employees to volunteer to support these worthy organizations. We do this because we think it’s the right thing to do."

2024 Recipients
View the recipients
Apply Here
Community Dividends Application

Questions? Please contact Brandy Moody at (805) 963-7511.

Michael Towbes Community Impact Dividend

The late founder, Michael Towbes' headshot. The Michael Towbes Community Impact Dividend was founded in 2019 to continue his legacy of significant and meaningful impact with an annual dividend of at least $100,000 to one or more nonprofit organizations that deliver critical and sustainable services to a large number of the most vulnerable people in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. 

Congratulations to the 2024 award recipients! Thank you for your continued dedication to our local communities. 
Two representatives of a local nonprofit hold a large check with the CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust.
Casa Pacifica Center for Children & Families

Outpatient Therapy and Enhanced Care Management will make mental health and medical services accessible to even more 18–25 year olds; many of who are former foster youth, on probation, homeless, or at-risk for homelessness.

Two representatives of a local nonprofit hold a large check with the CEO of Montecito Bank & Trust.
Youth and Family Services YMCA, Noah's Anchorage

This Transitional Housing Placement Program is a stand-alone home in downtown Santa Barbara that provides housing, supportive services, and counseling to nine youths at a time. Upon exiting the program, participants will have stable housing, a job, and have made educational progress.

Invested in Our Community

Learn about how, why, and how MB&T will always give back to our communities.

Black and white group photo of Montecito Bank and Trust associates in 1970s.
Our Story

50 years later, our commitment to this community is as strong as the day we started. Learn how it all began.

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A woman on the podium making a speech while showing a presentation.
Anniversary Grants®

We celebrate our anniversary each year by ensuring our associates have a direct voice in our corporate giving.

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A Montecito Bank and Trust worker volunteering together with kids planting a garden.
Need Volunteers?

MB&T associates volunteer their time and talents throughout the year at community events. Let us know if you need volunteers to help your event be a success!

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