"Santa Barbara County is fortunate to have more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving our quality of life, in areas ranging from helping young people with scholarships to protecting the environment. Few other communities our size can boast such a diversity of groups and support.

But the economy is taking a toll on local charities. It has had an impact on many of them in two ways: There’s a higher demand for their services while donations are down.

In good times and in bad, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians Foundation has stepped up to help our neighbors throughout the county. The foundation has donated more than $16 million over the past years. The goal: “To make the community it serves a better place for all of its residents, placing particular value on activities and programs that expand opportunities for the least advantaged, protect our environment or enhance the lives of youth.”"

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