Grants for Peace Corps Volunteer Projects

SBPCA provides support via our Mini Grants program to assist active Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) with projects needing funding in their countries of service. Emphasis is placed on projects that will have many beneficiaries, are community-oriented, and will have a continuing benefit to the community. Priority consideration is given to applications submitted by PCVs who have lived in or have an established connection to Santa Barbara County, Ventura County, or San Luis Obispo County, or have been recommended by an active member of SBPCA. We periodically fund projects through the Peace Corps Partnership Program.

Volunteering / Community Service

From time to time we participate in various volunteer activities, such as United Way's Day of Caring. In 2008 we helped paint and clean the Eastside Dental Clinic. In 2007 we helped paint the StoryTeller Children's Center. We have also helped Direct Relief International build community disaster supply storage units around the Santa Barbara Community, paint facilities at La Casa De La Raza and staff the water table at the SB Half Marathon.

If you would like SBPCA to help you with a project, or if you have an idea for a community service project we might do, please email us for more information.

Future Peace Corps Volunteers

Thinking about joining the Peace Corps? Talking to a returned Volunteer (RPCV) can help you make a decision or answer questions you have. Please email us, who will put you in touch with someone who can answer your questions and share their experience.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

Each year we honor Returned Peace Corps Volunteers with a summer barbecue. And throughout the year recently returned volunteers can network with the members of our SBPCA community for help with housing, job leads and fellowship. To find out more please email us. You may also contact the Mentoring Program to be matched with a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer in your area who can help you transition back into the American rat race.

Speakers Match

SBPCA members have spoken and given slide shows and PowerPoint presentations about their Peace Corps experience to schools and community organizations since 1986. If you would like someone to share their Peace Corps experience at your school or organization please visit Speakers Match. Through the Speakers Match site, the NPCA links Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) together with teachers to bring the Peace Corps cross-cultural experience to students throughout the United States.