SBMM is a nonprofit organization (Nonprofit Tax ID#: 77-0392953) that relies of funds raised through ticket sales, membership, education programs, private events, and generous donations from the community. More information can be found on our Donor Bill of Rights, Donor Privacy Policy, IRS 990 (FY 16, FY 17, FY 18), and Audited Financial Statements (FY 16 , FY 17, FY 18, FY 19 )
April 2020
Friends of SBMM,
Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we are celebrating our twentieth anniversary. Each year, we proudly open our doors to more than 40,000 visitors to educate our community through interactive exhibits, lectures, and programs. In the last twelve months, we’ve upgraded our Brooks Models Exhibit, California Ranch Exhibit, and Military Exhibit, and debuted two temporary exhibits: Rum Running, Sailors, and Prohibition and Fishing with Paper & Ink: Nature Prints.
Whether it be students experiencing their maiden sea voyage aboard the Coral Sea, or learning how to collect indicator species with a Naturalist, we believe that every child and adult should experience the Santa Barbara Channel, know its history, and help preserve its natural wonders. These inspiring exhibits and hands-on educational programs were recognized by the Santa Barbara Chamber Commerce, who named us 2019 Non-Profit
of the Year.
In closing our doors on March 13th, we are experiencing a financial shortfall from our cancelled annual fundraiser and a drop in admission, event rental, store, and lecture income. To continue operations, support SBMM staff, welcome 40,000 visitors, and inspire our community through interactive exhibits, lectures, and hands-on educational programs, SBMM is asking the community to help raise $100,000 by June 30th. For those who wish to double the impact of their gift to SBMM, past Board President George Writer and his wife Judy will generously match the first $25,000 given.
This year, we are also undergoing our accreditation process with the American Alliance of Museums. This achievement will place SBMM in the top tier of museums nationwide recognized for upholding best practices, and allow us to continue educating the community for years to come.
Together we are creating quality exhibits and educational experiences that celebrate the Santa Barbara Channel and illuminate our rich connections with the sea.
Don J. Barthelmess, Board President Greg Gorga, SBMM Executive Director
You can contribute by:
Check (Please make checks payable to Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and mail to SBMM 113 Harbor Way, Ste. 190 Santa Barbara, CA 93109)
Online or with a credit card by phone (805) 456- 8744
Gifts of Securities (Please contact Greg Gorga for brokerage firm & stock transfer information.)
Bequests & Legacy Gifts
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) & Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from IRAs
Matching Gifts ( Please check with your respective company’s policies to learn more about employer gift matching.)
