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Do you know who your researchers are?
The 2017-18 Research Committee has 13 researchers—seven returning and six new researchers. Two of the newest members joined immediately following the May 8th Presentation of Grants reception because they were so moved by the stories of our new grantees.
Indeed, they are an impressive group.
- Educational Experience: BA (11), MBA (5), MS (2), PhD (2)
- Professional Experience: CPA (2), counselor (2), executive (5), leadership development consultant, editor/writer, Peace Corps volunteer, pharmacist, professional singer, teacher (2) and even a local hero
Get to know the researchers better by viewing their individual photographs and biographies on our website.
This photo of the Research Committee was taken at the 2017 Presentation of Grants. (Pictured from left to right) Front row: Ann Lippincott, Irene Stone, Jane Gutman, Mary Stern. Second row: Carolyn Jabs, Ginger Langan, Christine Lyon, Sabina White. Third row: Cheryl Justice, Michelle Saltoun, Sandy Schoolfield, Mary Genis, Cathleen Grabowski. Not pictured: Joan Agress, Maureen Ellenberger, Patricia Gregory, Kim Holmquist, Chris Levine, Sandy Lin, Melinda Staveley.
The Research Committee is already hard at work reviewing prospective local agencies for consideration for the Women's Fund ballot next spring. The committee expects to review at least 35 agencies and programs in depth, before substantially narrowing the list for the members' ballot in March 2018.
If you have any questions about the process or are interested in serving on the Research Committee starting in May 2018, please contact the Research Co-Chairs, Mary Genis and Sandy Schoolfield.
Young women make a difference in the Tiny House project
In May 2016, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara gave TRADART Foundation a $50,000 grant, earmarked for materials to build three Tiny Houses on the campuses of Santa Barbara’s three high schools—Santa Barbara, San Marcos and Dos Pueblos. Upon completion, the Tiny Houses will be sold and the proceeds used to fund the construction of three more houses, ensuring the sustainability of the program.
Once construction on the houses began, it was clear to the Advanced Woodworking and Construction Technology project instructors that completion of the homes was a two-year project. To help finance the expenses, another source for funding has stepped forward: the Santa Barbara Unified School District will contribute $25,000 this fall as reported in the Santa Barbara Independent on June 29. Completion of the three houses is scheduled for the summer of 2018.
Teachers Chris Mollkoy at Dos Pueblos High School, Justin Howe at San Marcos High School and Caleb Chadwick at Santa Barbara High School teach over 60 students who are absorbed in the world of construction. They have created a gender-supportive environment and are encouraged to see a greater number of young women enrolling in their wood shop program than in previous years. This wouldn’t have happened without their courage and vision to make a change to the wood shop class curriculum by exploring the popular national Tiny House movement.
To better understand the impact of the Women’s Fund grant, Leslie Meadowcroft-Schipper, founder of TRADART Foundation, interviewed three students: Hailey Wednesday Babcock, Audrey Rowell and Melissa Perez. Each is enrolled in the Construction Technology coursework in their high school. Read about these amazing young women in the full interview on our website.
Proof: Americans are generous
Giving USA 2017: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2016 summarizes data from 10,829 nonprofit organizations. It shows that America remains generous in 2016, spurred by the generosity of individuals. Here are a few highlights:
Additionally, the 2017 Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Report, states that the average national nonprofit organizations’ donor retention rate was 45% in 2016. Compare this to the Women’s Fund retention rate of 85% in 2016!
Does your employer have a matching gifts program?
Is your company (or your spouse’s company) committed to supporting its employees’ contributions to charitable organizations? If so, there’s a possibility your gift to the Women’s Fund can be matched. Check with your employer to see if there is a matching gifts program and if the Women’s Fund is eligible. It’s another way to help grow our grants pool!
If you have any questions, please contact: finance@womensfundsb.org.
In memoriam
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of two members who had been part of the Women’s Fund for over 10 years. We will miss them.
Jo-Anne Brown
Phyllis Mozilo
Click here if you would like to make a gift to the Women's Fund Endowment in their memory.
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