Overview
Since 2004, the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara has given more than $3 million to 39 nonprofit agencies that benefit thousands of women, children and families within the greater Santa Barbara area.
Women's Fund: 7-years-at-a-glance
- $3,080,000 contributed to 39 nonprofits in Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria since 2004.
- $2,500 annual memberships leveraged into larger gifts where 97% (100% in 2010) of collected funds go directly to programs helping local people.
- 529 individual and group members in 2010 - up from 67 members in 2004.
- Orfalea Fund - a generous collaborator since 2006.
- Santa Barbara Foundation - partner and fiscal home for the Women's Fund since 2004.
Our History
In 2002, after reading an article in the Los Angeles Times about the Everychild Foundation, Carol Palladini and Meredith Scott invited its founder Jacqueline Caster to speak at the Santa Barbara Foundation's Women in Philanthropy program.
Jacqueline's dynamic presentation about women's donor funds was inspiring and simple--no fund raising events, no tickets to sell or tables to fill, no required time commitment. It provided a way for women to pool their charitable donations in order to grant larger amounts of money and to make a major difference in helping meet community needs.
After Jacqueline's presentation, several women created a similar fund in Santa Barbara. Their hope was to raise $50,000 the first year. When they raised $140,000, Founding Chair Carol Palladini reported, "It came together so easily, we KNEW this was an idea whose time had come!"
The main goals in forming the Fund were:
- Keep the structure simple
- Require minimal volunteer time
- Do our own thorough research
- Make grants large enough to really help women, children and families
- Have Fund members be the decision makers
- Give away all the money collected annually
- Not spend donor money on events
Founding Committee: Carol Palladini, Chair; Perri Harcourt, Shirley Ann Hurley, Jean Kaplan, Dale Kern, Joanne Rapp, Elna Scheinfeld, Meredith Scott, Kay Stern, Ann Smith Towbes, Marsha Wayne, Fritzie Yamin.
The Santa Barbara Foundation has been the Women's Fund fiscal home and a tremendous source of support and advice from the beginning. For the first three years, they helped the Fund get established and grow by paying all direct expenses and handling the Fund's administrative needs at no charge. In 2007, all agreed that the Women's Fund was sufficiently launched to cover its own expenses (never over 5%), paying a modest fee to the Santa Barbara Foundation for administrative support.
In 2006, the Orfalea Fund approached the two-year-old Women's Fund of Santa Barbara with an exciting offer. Because they liked the collective giving concept and the quality of the Fund's volunteer-driven research, and to help attract more members, Orfalea offered to match Women's Fund member donations. Since 2006, the Orfalea Fund has donated nearly $900,000 to the Women's Fund - matching our member contributions for three of those years to help stimulate the membership growth we enjoy today. While no longer matching member dollars, Orfalea remains a generous contributor, awarding $20,000 grants to the Women's Fund in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The Women's Fund owes the Santa Barbara Foundation, Orfalea Fund and Betty Elings Wells heartfelt thanks for their support, guidance, and confidence. We know they will continue to be supportive while they watch the Women's Fund grow stronger, connecting exceptional women in our community who are committed to Changing Lives Together.
Betty Elings Wells Matching Grant
In the spring of 2010, Women's Fund member and local philanthropist Betty Elings Wells made a generous offer to stimulate increased giving and enlarge the pool of funds available to award to local nonprofit agencies. When the Women's Fund raised $350,000 in income in 2010, the Betty Elings Wells Matching Grant triggered a 2-for-1 match on every subsequent dollar raised up to $250,000 by December 31, 2010.
Betty's generosity resulted in our grants pool for 2010-2011 increasing by $200,000 to $565,000, all of our expenses being underwritten by member donors and an increase in our membership from 409 to 529 women in one year. In addition, we have $100,000 of Betty's grant remaining so member contributions will again be matched 2-for-1 after we raise the $350,000 threshold in 2011.
Why has Betty made this generous committment? "I was drawn to the Women's Fund by their successful track record of pooling charitable dollars to make a greater, more significant impact on local programs and services. I'm 
also impressed by their efficiency. The Women's Fund is run by volunteers who spend only 3% of the money they raise on expenses - due in large part to the generosity of member underwriters. I was inspired by that, and hope this matching grant, in turn, inspires members and the community and the community to go above and beyond this year."
Photo Credit: Randall Lamb
How the Fund Works
Women are the only voting members. However, we encourage all individuals and businesses to contribute. Any donor giving $250 or more is invited to the Presentation of Funds luncheon.
To be a voting member, a woman must contribute $2,500 paid in full each year by the stated deadline. Women may also form a group membership to make the minimum donation of $2,500 collectively and decide together how the group’s single vote is cast. We encourage larger donations but each individual member or group has only one vote per year.
Those not interested in voting may make donations of any amount as non-voting contributors.
All collected tax-deductible donations are put into the Women's Fund administered by the Santa Barbara Foundation, which serves as our fiscal home and 501(c)3. While we benefit from foundation staff assistance and research, all granting decisions are made by the voting members of the Women's Fund.
Granting is decided by a simple majority vote of members who must be willing to abide by the decision. The recipient(s) are announced at the annual Presentation of Funds luncheon. Donor funds (beyond those withheld for general expenses) are not used to pay for the Presentation of Funds event.
Grants are made to nonprofit agencies in the greater Santa Barbara area on a one-time basis. There is no formal grant application process for potential recipients. The Women's Fund researches projects that are focused on our mission (meeting the critical needs of women, children and families) and that address local issues selected annually by our members. Only projects that have a timely and critical need, competent leadership and a workable plan with measureable outcomes are considered.
The Fund must have a minimum of $50,000 before making any grants. Fewer and larger grants are in keeping with the philosophy of the Women's Fund and a single grant may be awarded when appropriate. If less than $50,000 is collected in any one year, the funds will be held over to become part of the grant(s) given in the following year. When the minimum total is collected, at least 90% of the entire amount will be given that year.
The Women's Fund of Santa Barbara is an all-volunteer organization led by a Steering Committee comprised of the chairs of 8 committees like research, membership, communications, awards luncheon, site visit, etc. There is no paid staff or board of directors but the Steering Committee is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the Women's Fund, overseeing policy and actions that affect the organization as a whole. Leadership is nurtured from the committees where multi-year involvement is encouraged for experience and continuity. At the same time, we seek new volunteers each year to foster widespread education and participation.
A reserve of up to 10% of funds collected in a given year is held back to meet administrative, mailing and outreach expenses. All unused reserves are returned to the Fund.
Funds collected in one calendar year are presented early in the following calendar year. For example, the 2010-11 grants come from funds collected in 2010 and distributed in May 2011.
Get Involved
We invite all women in our community to join the Women's Fund and become more fully informed strategic philanthropists. How involved you become is up to you. As a member, you only need to make your annual contribution. But there are also opportunities to volunteer on committees if you wish to become more involved in the Women's Fund's success.
The 2011 Steering Committee consists of the chairs of functional teams who oversee research and all operations, like membership, finance, communications, and our two annual events. The Steering Committee fine tunes policy and works on issues that affect the Fund as a whole. And, importantly, it emphasizes succession planning to encourage the early identification of new and emerging leaders and to ensure seasoned leaders overlap with new ones for smooth transitions each year.
Women's Fund members are welcome to volunteer for any of these Women's Fund committees below. Sarah de Tagyos is 2011 chair of the Steering Committee, which is comprised of the following teams:
- Research - identifying community needs, conducting in-depth research on local agencies, preparing ballot and background information for member voting (Nancy Harter and Carla Whitacre are 2011 co-chairs)
- Membership - coordinating new and renewing members; managing membership records (Stina Hans is 2011chair)
- Finance - budgeting and tracking contributions and expenses (Jo Gifford and Parm Williams are 2011 co-chairs)
- Communications - creating WF messages, monthly e-newsletter, website, print materials, media (Jennifer Guess is 2011 chair)
- Mailing Management - handling logistics (not content) for mailings, e.g., membership letter, event invitations, follow-up reminders (Carol Hicks and Carol Palladini are 2011 co-chairs)
- Presentation of Funds Luncheon - planning, coordinating all aspects of May awards luncheon (Christ Kelso is 2011chair for spring 2012 event)
- Site Visit - planning, coordinating all aspects of fall visit to grantees (Barbara Hauter Woodward is 2011 chair)
- Grantee Liaison - serving as contact between WF and grantees for reports, events, photos, stories (Tish Gainey is 2011 chair)
Membership
The Women's Fund welcomes all women interested in our mission of collective philanthropy. Your membership and your vote will help us expand our commitment.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
- Individual Member
An individual member who gives $2500 or more is entitled to one vote, may serve on a Women's Fund Committee and is invited to the Presentation of Funds. - Group Member
A group of women who together give a total of $2500 or more is entitled to one vote. A member may serve on a Women's Fund Committee and is invited to the Presentation of Funds if she donated $250 or more. - Non-voting Contributors
An individual contributor of $250 or more will receive an invitation to the Annual Presentation of Funds.
Members & Committees
Click here for a full list of current members and committees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara differ from other women's funds in California and across the country?
Many of the grants given through women's funds across the country are for $10,000 or less. All of our grants have been over $20,000 and more than half have been $75,000 or more.
The Women's Fund does not accept applications for funding nor lobby or advocate for causes.
Is the Women's Fund a giving circle?
In the sense that a giving circle is a group of individuals who pool their money and decide, collectively, where to donate the money, the Women's Fund is part of the national trend of women's giving circles.
However, the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara is a fund, not a club.Volunteer committees ensure the Fund supports our community by giving to worthy projects. The Women's Fund also educates women about the benefits of philanthropy.
How does the Women's Fund educate its members about philanthropy?
- Each year members see their grants in action at a mid-year Site Visit and review of recent recipients.
- Through the ballot presentation and voting, members learn more in depth about local organizations and the work they're doing to address critical community needs.
- Research Committee members have opportunities to learn about nonprofit organizations and their programs as part of the in-depth research process.
- Women's Fund members are invited to attend the educational programs of the Santa Barbara Foundation's Women in Philanthropy program.
If I am interested or have a friend who is interested in the Women's Fund, how can we get information?
You can learn more about the Women's Fund by emailing us at info@womensfundsb.org or contacting the Santa Barbara Foundation by phone 963-1873. A packet of information will be mailed upon your request.
How much of my annual contribution is tax deductible?
100%
When is my contribution due?
By December 31 of each year.
In what ways may I make a donation?
- By check: payable to the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara.
- By Visa and MasterCard: click here (Join Now) to go to Santa Barbara Foundation website, call the Santa Barbara Foundation (963-1873), or send in the response card from a membership packet.
- By transfer from another charitable fund, such as a donor advised fund or private foundation. Request payment from the organization holding your fund.
- By securities gift: contact the Santa Barbara Foundation (963-1873).
Does the Women's Fund meet as a group?
There are no required meetings of the entire membership, but all members and contributors donating $250 or more are invited to the Annual Presentation of Funds. Also, members are invited to a fall site visit to our most recent recipients. Members also receive a monthly electronic newsletter to help them stay connected.
How are grants awarded?
Members help choose areas of community need to focus the work of the Research Committee. There is no formal grant application process. Members can recommend projects of possible interest to this committee. The Research Committee strives to find the most critical and compelling projects serving the community in a given year. Recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate reliability and sustainability of programs. The effectiveness of the program must have measurable outcomes.
How much is membership in the Women's Fund?
- Annual individual membership: $2500 or more.
- Annual group membership: a combined donation totaling $2500 or more.
- A woman who wishes to donate less than the $2500 individual membership and does not want to form a group may be a non-voting contributor to the Fund.
Am I a permanent member when I join?
No, memberships are for one year.
How is giving to the Women's Fund different from giving to the Santa Barbara Foundation?
Both collect funds, do research and distribute funds within the greater Santa Barbara community. It is certainly possible to contribute to both.
The Women's Fund is unique because:
- Women's Fund members are the decision makers as to where the pooled funds will be donated. Members select areas of community need to be researched, the agencies to research and the final recipients.
- Monies collected are given as grants every year (not more than 5% has been withheld for annual expenses.)
- Only women are members.
- If desired, Women's Fund members may volunteer to serve on committees that manage the operations of the Fund.
- Women's Fund gifts are not based on a grant application process.
- The Women's Fund gives only to nonprofit projects and programs on the South Coast (Carpinteria to Goleta).
Why not just give directly to my favorite nonprofit organizations?
While giving directly to favored charities allows a woman to have more control over where her money goes, we have found that most of our participants give to the Women's Fund IN ADDITION to their charities of special interest. There are several reasons our members state for loving the concept of a collective fund:
- In combining their donations with many others, their giving is leveraged into larger amounts that can have a greater impact in addressing community needs.
- There are a variety of ways our members can participate in the research of local needs and organizations, which are educational, cooperative, and fun!
- The Women's Fund gives to specific projects/programs that allow us to know exactly how the money will be spent and the recipients report to us at least twice during the year of receiving a grant.
- While the Women's Fund as a whole doesn't have meetings and events, our members find they really enjoy the camaraderie of doing good work together. Our "group" members love getting together to decide their vote each year; and all members look forward to coming together for the announcement of the new grant recipients at our Presentation of Funds Luncheon.
If I wish to be part of a group membership but can't create one, what should I do?
We would be happy to help connect you to others. CONTACT US and we'll get back to you with names of other women wishing to form a group.
If I give more than the $2,500 needed for a membership, do I get more than one vote?
The founders of the Women's Fund decided that they wanted to emphasize our common interest in addressing important community needs. In making this decision, we agreed to de-emphasize any "hierarchy of giving". Thus, even though we have very generous members who give more than $2,500, we all are allowed one vote. If the amount of a second membership should be donated for someone else, such as a friend or daughter, that second person is given a vote.