DonateMore Ways To Give
You Can Help
Explore the Many Ways To Give
There are many ways of giving back to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, from attending an event or buying a native plant at the Garden Nursery to gifting access to the Garden to others (now possible using cryptocurrencies, as well as other donation avenues).
Contact
Development Team
805.682.4726, ext. 103
Donor-advised Fund (DAF)
By contacting your financial advisor or donor-advised public charity or by using DAF Direct through our website, you support the Garden by contributing recommending grants directly from your fund.
Funds that have been held for more than one year are generally eligible for an immediate tax deduction and you avoid paying capital gains taxes.
Stocks & Securities
Giving appreciated securities is a fast and easy way to make a gift to the Garden while deriving considerable tax benefits. It is almost always a better strategy to give appreciated securities directly to the Garden, rather than selling them and donating the proceeds of the sale. In fact, many donors find the tax benefits associated with giving appreciated securities to the Garden actually allows them to increase the size of their gift.
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Give a gift from your individual retirement account (IRA)! At 70 ½ years or older, a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) or IRA charitable rollover is an excellent way to receive tax benefits while supporting the Garden. Up to $100,000 in IRA funds ($200,000 for married couples), can be counted as a QCD annually. This has the potential to significantly lower your tax burden.
Matching Gifts
Many companies offer employees a matching-gift benefit, which doubles the gift to the Garden. The process for submitting a matching-gift claim differs from company to company and must be initiated by the employee. Some companies require a completed paper form and some have an online system, while others require claims filed by telephone.
Donate a Car
Do you have an unwanted car you would like to donate to support the Garden? Our partner, Charitable Adult Rides & Services (CARS), handles the pickup and sale of your vehicle, plus all the associated paperwork. You receive a tax deduction for your donation, and the Garden receives a check for 80% of the net sale proceeds.
For more information and to schedule a pickup that’s convenient for you, call CARS toll-free at 855.500.RIDE (855.500.7433). You may also contact the Garden’s Development Team if you have questions.
Donate Crypto
The Garden is now accepting cryptocurrencies for donations!
Donating crypto directly to charity can save you money on two types of taxes:
- Avoid paying any capital gains tax on your crypto gains.
- Receive a federal income tax deduction for the full value of your crypto (state and local income tax deductions may also be available).
An alternative is to sell your crypto and donate the cash proceeds, but you would first owe capital gains tax on the appreciation, resulting in higher taxes for you and fewer dollars going toward furthering the mission of the Garden.
Events, Visits, or Learning
Support the Experience Right for You
Throughout the year, the Garden partners with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to preserving California’s beautiful native plant legacy. We offer a range of opportunities to get involved, including financial sponsorship, in-kind donations of products and services, and volunteerism.
Sponsors benefit from community recognition and visibility with customized marketing unique to each opportunity.
Santa Barbara Beer Garden
Every year we gather some of the best beer and food vendors for a special curated tasting trail through California’s native plants.
(March 11, 2023)
Summer Sips Series
Partnering with local food and beverage vendors, we come together to advocate for native plants and create change — both locally and beyond.
(Ongoing in summer)
Museums for All
Help provide access to the Garden community-wide by supporting our Museums for All initiative.
(Throughout the year)
Fall Native Planting Season
Kicking off native planting season, we stock our Nursery with even more of California’s native plants at the start of the season. Join us for a special kickoff week/weekend designed to inspire both novice and expert gardeners alike.
(November)
Annual Santa Barbara Botanic Garden Conservation Symposium
Conservation heroes and engaging experts come together with students, land managers, conservation practitioners, and educators to tackle today’s most pressing environmental issues. Our participants leave inspired to further the mission of conserving native plants and habitats for the health and well-being of people and our planet.
(Every spring we host a hybrid event)
Free Community Days*
Give the gift of an admission-free day to the Garden any time of the year.
Welch-Ryce-Haider is the generous sponsor of our sold out Free Senior Days, which take place every other month, all year long.
*Free day sponsors can gift all admissions to the Garden or select a special audience like children, seniors, veterans, or others. You may sponsor a single day or a series throughout the year.
