Last year, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara (WFSB) posed a lofty goal to its members; to raise $1 million in funding for 2024 in honor of its 20th anniversary.

The team at the WFSB has just announced it met and exceeded that goal, with an estimated record-breaking grants pool of $1.125 million. Indeed, happy 20th Anniversary!

Their annual celebration of the 2024 grantees is scheduled for May 7 at the Lobero Theatre.

What’s new this year for the grantees is increased grant amounts due to inflation, increasing capital costs, the need to keep staff salaries competitive, as well as introducing a two-year grant.

The WFSB is committed to improving the lives of women, children, and families in south SB County. With their rigorous screening of grantees by various levels of panels and consensus, they have provided $10.5 million to 142 local nonprofit organizations, some receiving grants of $100K or more.

Record-breaking sponsorships from 18 local organizations are currently estimated at $70,000, with Sunseri Construction at $20K, and $5K sponsors including Impact Family Office Coast Village Road, Montecito Bank & Trust, and SB Senior Organization Support. The sponsor funding offsets costs for WFSB’s educational programs and operations.

Board Chair Jamie Dufek and her team of 1,300 members are always open to welcoming new members, new funders, and new sponsors.

by Joanne A Calitri

Check the 411 for info.

411: https://womensfundsb.org/