Welcome to the homepage of the Dr. Hildegard H. Balin Charitable Foundation.  Since its inception in 1996, the Foundation has awarded $3,006,779 to eligible non-profit organizations in Santa Barbara County.

We invite you to review the information contained herein to learn more about the Foundation, its funding guidelines and application process for grant approval.

We look forward to the possibility of helping your organization succeed in its goals!

Purpose

The Dr. Hildegard H. Balin Charitable Trust was created to benefit charitable activities.  In order to qualify, an applicant must have received tax exempt status as stated in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and be located within Santa Barbara County.  

The Charitable Beneficiaries of the Trust must be involved in one or both of the following:  

1)  Promoting the welfare and needs of the financially-at-risk elderly, with particular consideration being given to their nutritional, legal, and medical needs.  

2)  Promoting the welfare of dogs to include housing, nutrition, general care, and placement within suitable homes.

 History

Dr. Hildegard H. Balin was born November 7, 1900, in Koenigsberg, Germany.  She practiced as a medical doctor in Germany until World War II.  Her husband was a member of the underground and did not survive the war.  They had no children.

Following the war, Dr. Balin moved to Argentina, obtained her medical license, and practiced there for a time.  

Dr. Balin came to Santa Barbara in the early 1950’s, and was employed as a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital from approximately 1962 until 1966.  

Dr. Balin’s devotion to her dog and constant companion, Tulli, inspired her interest in the welfare and care of dogs.  Her experience as a medical doctor, as well as her professional life experiences, led to her interest in the welfare of the elderly, particularly those who are alone and further handicapped by poverty.

She utilized her substantial business acumen, strong and unique personality and untiring energy in building an estate, with the intention of contributing that estate back to the county in which she lived.  

Dr. Balin died in Santa Barbara, California, on January 14, 1996, at the age of 95.