Building Together

The Building Together Program is Kellow Construction’s avenue through which we serve those most in need in our community. It’s something we plan and budget for every year.

We believe that corporate success is much more deserved and valuable to communities when a company bakes into their business plan a way to uplift those who are the most vulnerable and in need. Not just a donation here and there, but an actual component to how a corporation approaches business planning and budgeting for their years ahead.

Service through construction is a part of how we run our company with our clients, and now also with others too! When choosing who to work with, it’s important to consider that we all vote with our dollars. When you work with Kellow Construction, you are working with a company that gives back to the community. Building together with those who need it most.

How It Works

Every fall the entire Kellow Construction Team nominates local non-profits they want to support. The only requirement for nomination is that they must be based locally and can not be a national organization. Then as a group we vote between all the nominations and pick one non-profit to receive the Building Together Award for the following calendar year. We typically donate in kind services to organizations that need support with their buildings and maintenance.

We want to have as much impact as we can, which is why we focus on partnering with one singular non-profit per year instead of extending ourselves to many. This way we get to really know an org’s needs and are able to help on a deeper level that can hopefully extend beyond the year of the award.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Building Together 2026 award, organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Non-denominational, local 501(c)(3)
  Must be based in Santa Barbara County and operate independently (not part of a national org or religious denomination), benefitting children and families in Santa Barbara.

• Stable facility use
  Must either own the building or have at least five (5) years remaining on their lease.

• Financial responsibility
  Organization’s highest staff salary is typically under $120,000/year (exceptions may be considered if overall need is compelling).

• Direct community impact
  Must serve local Santa Barbara residents, with preference given to organizations supporting vulnerable or underserved children and families.

• Facility-related project
  Project must be tied to building improvements, repairs, or maintenance and achievable within one calendar year of award.

• Capacity to partner
  Must have a reliable, responsive point of contact and board approval (if required) to ensure smooth coordination.