Overview
Since 2004, the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara has given $1,425,000 to 18 nonprofit projects that benefit thousands of women, children and families within the greater Santa Barbara area.
The Women's Fund is committed to granting at least 95% of the funds received. Funds collected in one year are presented early the following year at the Presentation of Funds.Giving through the Women's Fund is simple, direct and effective. Each spring, women receive a membership letter and make their donations. The funds are pooled, community needs are researched, a ballot is prepared, women vote, and gifts are presented. Fund administration costs are less than 5%.
The role of volunteering and giving is traditional for women, yet not everyone thinks of women as philanthropists. When women pool their energies and leverage their money, the impact is powerful.
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 Foundations' Women in Philanthropy program.
Her dynamic presentation about women's membership funds was inspiring because it was so simple--no volunteer time, no fund raising, no expensive-to-put-on events, no tables to fill. It provided a way for women to pool their charitable donations in order to grant large amounts of money and to make a major difference in helping meet community needs.
After Jacqueline's presentation, several excited women began exploring possibilities for a similar fund in Santa Barbara. Their hope was to raise $50,000 the first year. Upon ending the year having raised $150,000, 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
The Santa Barbara Foundation has been a tremendous source of support and advice as we have grown during our first four grant cycles. (Click on OUR RECIPIENTS to view specific grants given). In 2007, the Women's Fund entered into a Memo of Understanding with the Santa Barbara Foundation formalizing the administration expenses. We will continue to keep direct expenses and overhead to less than 5%.
In 2006, we were thrilled to receive a vote of confidence from the Orfalea Fund with a $225,000 gift. In 2007, Orfalea generously matched dollar for dollar all monies raised up to $300,000 and will do so again in 2008!
The "birthing" of the Santa Barbara Women's Fund has been exciting and fulfilling. As we continue to grow, we find that the Fund has become an important addition to our community.
Founding Committee: Carol Palladini, Chair; Perri Harcourt, Shirley Ann Hurley, Jean Kaplan, Dale Kern, Joanne Rapp, Elna Scheinfeld, Meredith Scott, Kay Stern, Anne Smith Towbes, Marsha Wayne, Fritzie Yamin.
How We Work
Do a Little
Members commit to making an annual donation of $2,500, individually or as part of a group. This entitles them to vote for final grant recipients of the pooled funds. Each member or each member group has one vote.
While the Women's Fund wishes to develop a responsible and effective fund, we strive to do so with minimal formal structure and volunteer time.
Do a Little More (committees)
The Women's Fund has no board of directors. Individual members and group members may serve on one of two committees (Oversight and Research) that welcome members' time and talents. The committees meet monthly from February through November. The committees change annually allowing for greater education and input from our members.
1. Oversight Committee
The Women's Fund is administered through the Santa Barbara Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Oversight Committee in working with operations and membership. This committee:
- Ensures that the Fund is functioning as intended
- Decides organization policies
- Facilitates Fund growth through informational gatherings, publicity and written communications
- Plans the annual Presentation of Funds
- Monitors recipients' use of donated funds
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2008 Oversight Committee Members: Jo Gifford, co-chair; Fran Adams, co-chair; Fleurette Barson-Janigian, Jan Baxter, Patty Bliss, Lida Light Blue, Melissa Brooks, Mary Garton, Dale Kern, Carole MacElhenny, Diane Morgan, Carol Palladini, Karen Robinson, Meredith Scott, Rachael Steidl, Elaine Toledo, Parm Williams, Fritzie Yamin.
2. Research Committee
The Research Committee prepares projects for the vote. There is no formal grant application process for potential recipients. Projects that have competent leadership, a workable plan, and critical community need are considered. This committee:
- Accepts suggestions from members and the larger community in considering potential projects to fund
- Prepares the Areas of Interest Card whereby voting members can narrow the research focus
- Does independent research to make selections for membership voting
- Is responsible for the ballot and for disseminating information about each project or organization to help members choose wisely
- Organizes an annual panel on philanthropy to educate Research Committee and Women's Fund members.
- 2008 Research Committee: Sarah de Tagyos, co-chair; Stina Hans, co-chair; Kathleen Barnato, Kathryn Calise, Mary Ann Froley, Tish Gainey, Melissa Gough, Jane Honikman, Shirley Ann Hurley, Diana Starr Langley, Barbara Lowes, Michel Nellis, Kitty Peri, Viviana Pouget-Wattenberg, Regina Roney, Sally Smith, Sue Vincent.
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2008 Short Term Project Volunteers: Pat Andersons, Katya Armistead, Carol Betker, Nancy Brock, Jo-Anne Brown, Kay Bruce, Danyel Dean, Carol Fell, Patty Fligsten, Jan Grlbraith, Perri Harcourt, Mary Henson, Dana Istre, Jan Kelleway, Patricia Kruse, Sue La Cabe, Doloras Manclark, Judy McKee, Jocelyne Meeker, Pat Moser, Carolyn Novick, Barbara Offerman, Bonnie Rand, Joann Rodrique, Sybil Rosen, Sarah Stokes, Sherry Tilton, Anne Smith Towbes, Yolanda Van Wingerden, Mimi Veyna, Char Williams, Patty Zucherman
For more information see Women's Fund 2007 Brochure.
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
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Individual Member
An individual member who gives $2500 or more is entitled to one vote, may serve on the Oversight Committee or Research Committee, and is invited to the Presentation of Funds.
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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 the Oversight or Research Committee and is invited to the Presentation of Funds if she donated $250 or more.
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Non-voting Contributors
An individual contributor of $250 or more will receive an invitation to the Annual Presentation of Funds.
Members
Click here for a full list of members.
Why We Joined
"My mother, Jeanne Urbank, had recently passed away and
although she believed in giving, her long illness prevented her from becoming an active philanthropist. I heard about the Women's Fund the next week after her memorial service, and in my mother's honor, I picked up the phone and became involved. Her legacy to me funds my annual Women's Fund membership and allows me to fulfill her wishes to educate and provide opportunities for so many who deserve a chance to improve their lot in life."
-Melissa Brooks
"I was excited to read about the Women's Fund and joined because I wanted to be part of it. I respect the research on need, the decision-making process for funding, and the significant impact the Fund makes in the community. I want to contribute to the community, but at this point have limited time and money. I thought participating in the Women's Fund is a terrific way to help."
-NancyBell Coe
Being a group member through SBParent.com has allowed me to "get my feet wet." I was deeply inspired by last year's award luncheon and excited about the Orfalea matching potential. I can participate in the direction of funds by either voicing my suggestions for recipient organizations. If I would like to do more, I can also serve on a committee. This all feels very powerful to me--not just as an individual but also as part of a group of women!
-Kyra Rogers
"I love working and being with intelligent women who want to do positive upbeat things in life. This is a great vehicle to accomplish serious changes in our community. I love being a part of the group."
-Deanna Dehlsen
"Count me in. You made my day! This saves me the trouble of deciding whom to give from the many mailings I receive."
-Jo McClintock
"One reason for my joining is that I do not have to attend a gala, nor fold napkins and set tables and arrange flowers and choose menus and attend long meetings planning a fund raiser! I want out of the trenches."
-Patty Zucherman
"I believe WF addresses community needs in a most innovative and sensible way. I'm happy to play a role, appreciate that each member has a vote and together we are helping to build a legacy of service to our community."
-Carolyn Novick
"I joined because of the sheer brilliance of the concept. I am so impressed with the idea and the women power."
-Bobbi Kroot
Santa Barbara Foundation
The Women's Fund is a Field of Interest Fund administered through the Santa Barbara Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation has provided guidance and support to the Women's Fund.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is a community foundation established in 1928 to enrich the lives of the people of Santa Barbara County through philanthropy. With an 80-year legacy of strategic philanthropy, the Foundation is:
- One of the oldest and largest of the more than 600 community foundations in the United States
- A flexible and personalized resource for philanthropy
- An investor in permanent endowment, which provides resources for education, personal development, health, human services, culture, recreation, community enhancement, and environment
- Worth approximately $280 million
The Santa Barbara Foundation is known for three things:
- Connecting people who care with causes that matter-We help donors fulfill their vision for good, enriching lives in Santa Barbara County and beyond.
- Promoting effective giving-We offer a range of giving solutions that can be tailored to fit each donor's financial means and charitable interests.
- Building community capital-We grow and carefully manage endowment funds, providing resources to meet community needs.
Orfalea Fund
In 2006, the Orfalea Fund gave the Women's Fund a generous grant of $225,000 that allowed us to give our recipients considerably larger gifts. In 2007, the Orfalea Fund matched all donations dollar for dollar up to $300,000. In 2008 The Orfalea Fund will again match all donations dollar for dollar up to $300,000.
"We trust and value the work of the Women's Fund," says Lois Mitchell, Women's Fund member and president of the Orfalea Foundations. The Orfalea Fund is a supporting organization of the Santa Barbara Foundation. The Orfalea Foundations (comprised of the Orfalea Fund and the Orfalea Family Foundation) were established by Kinko's Founder, Paul Orfalea, and his wife, Natalie, who live in Santa Barbara.
"Our mission and the mission of the Women's Fund are closely aligned," states Natalie Orfalea, Chairperson of the Orfalea Fund. "This partnership will hopefully model collaboration for other foundations."
The Women's Fund is delighted with the trust that the Orfalea Fund has placed in us, as it allows us to do twice as much good for our community.
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 one-third have been $100,000 or more. In our first four years, we have given $1,425,000 to 18 projects.
The Women's Fund does not 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 or organization. Only two committees exist to see that 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?
- Women's Fund members are invited to an annual panel discussion presented by the Research Committee.
- Each year members are invited to a Site Visit of some of the current recipients.
- Through the ballot presentation and voting, members learn more in depth about local organizations.
- As a member of the Research Committee, members have opportunities to understand thoroughly the nonprofit organizations and all their programs through the in-depth research process.
- Finally, all 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 contacting the Santa Barbara Foundation, via email at gdechirico@sbfoundation.org or 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 1 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: call the Santa Barbara Foundation (963-1873) to do so, 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 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 spring panel enlightening women on an aspect of community need and a fall site visit to our most recent recipients.
How are grants awarded?
Members choose areas of interest for focus by the Research Committee. There is no formal grant 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:
- The Women's Fund members are the decision makers as to where the money will be given. Members select areas of interest 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 serve on one of two committees that direct 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 winners at our Presentation of Funds.
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.
