PARTNER WITH US

Become a Partnering Organization

Our partnering nonprofit agencies identify clients already in their system that need emergency financial assistance and have exhausted all other options for support. Working together, we are able to quickly cover crisis needs and help relieve a little of the stress they are enduring.

The agency social worker fills out our Crisis Gap Funding Application with the client and submits it to The Starfish Connection.

Our funding committee reviews the application and if approved, we generally issue payment direct to the vendor within 36 business hours. Approved crisis funding is available up to $2500 per recipient.

We prioritize working with organizations that:

  • Are community based nonprofits with local leadership

  • Directly serve families and individuals in the tri-county area

  • Can clearly identify a reoccurring and unmet basic need

  • Align with our values: No matter where you come from, who you love, what you look like, or how you identify, we see you, we hear you, we honor you.

Thank you for your interest in partnering with The Starfish Connection!

“We are so appreciative to the Starfish Connection for your help during the most challenging time of our lives.

The aid with an unexpected car repair was extremely relieving and made it so we could focus on our son’s health. Thank you so much!”

- Brittany

Testimonials from Crisis Funding Recipients

"Thank you, Starfish Connection and their generosity we were able to have some relief in the most difficult times in our life.

They helped us with new appliances. Giving us one less thing to stress about. As life continues and duties call this made such a huge impact on our life. We are forever grateful."

- Gregoria

"On behalf of my son and the entire family we want to thank you for all your support in making it possible for Jesus to get his reclining sofa. This will help him enormously and he will finally be able to sleep and rest well.

Thank you so much to all the people who make this help possible. Thank you again and God bless you.”

- Angelica

  • MENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

    Mental Wellness Center supports mental wellness in Santa Barbara.

    Through mental health education, essential community services, and safe, affordable housing, the Mental Wellness Center serves individuals and families impacted by mental illness.

  • LEAP

    LEAP is committed to building a resilient and connected community.

    LEAP: Learn - Engage - Advocate - Partner, seeks to mitigate the effects of poverty, racism, and trauma so that all children and families can prosper and thrive.

  • HOSPICE OF SANTA BARBARA

    Since 1974 Hospice of Santa Barbara, Inc. has been providing compassionate care and support to those impacted with serious illness and the bereaved in our community. We are the second oldest hospice program in the United States, and we continue to build today on our distinguished history.

    “The allocation from The Starfish Connection of $11,000 to our Quality of Life fund has allowed us to expand rental/lodging assistance and food, and gas cards to families receiving palliative and hospice care from Hospice of Santa Barbara. Support from The Starfish Connection in gap grants and gift cards means we can help families that would normally fall outside of our scope of available services.”

    - David Selberg, Executive Director Hospice of Santa Barbara.

  • HEARTS ALIGNED

    Hearts Aligned Supports Critically Ill Children & Their Families

    By providing financial assistance, patient advocacy and personal support, Hearts Aligned, creates connections, empowerment, and peace of mind for families with critically and chronically ill children in Santa Barbara County.

  • THE TEDDY BEAR CANCER FOUNDATION

    Our core programs are the heart of Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation. Since 2002, we have been able to offer three core programs to lessen the immediate financial, emotional, and educational challenges experienced with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, while providing ongoing opportunities for families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.

    “Our partnership with The Starfish Connection allows us to serve families with extra critical needs that extend beyond the Direct Financial Assistance we offer. With the $15,000 allocation from The Starfish Connection, we have been able to extend additional services to our families including rent, furniture, grocery store, and fuel gift cards. This helps alleviate some of the hardships they’re enduring during the most difficult time in their child’s life, and allows them to focus on what matters the most.”

    - Dr. Corey Pahanish, Executive Director Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation.

  • People's Self-Help Housing

    Our Mission: We build affordable homes with site-based services that offer opportunities to change lives and strengthen communities on the Central Coast of California.

    Founded in 1970, People’s Self-Help Housing is the longest-serving nonprofit housing organization on California’s Central Coast, serving over 10,000 residents in four counties.