No, membership is based on an annual contribution made during a calendar year, which makes a woman eligible to vote for new grantees in the following spring.

The Women’s Fund welcomes all women to join us. Men are welcome to make a donation but cannot become voting members. We value the perspectives brought to committee philanthropy by our increasingly diverse membership. 

No minimum contribution is required; however, we suggest a minimum contribution of $275. Membership contributions determine how members vote to distribute the funds collected each year. A vote is awarded for every $2,750 contributed.

There are two ways to contribute and vote:

Become a Group Member by joining with other women who together contribute $2,750 (or more) in a calendar year. Each group receives one vote for every $2,750 contribution the group has made. There is no limit to the size of a group or how much a woman may contribute.

Become an Individual Member by contributing $2,750 (or more) in a calendar year. Receive one vote on how collected funds are distributed the next spring for every $2,750 contribution a woman makes, up to a limit of four votes.

The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization with Federal Tax ID 82-5169678. Donations to the Women’s Fund are fully qualified charitable deductions. Please consult your tax adviser or the IRS to determine if you are eligible for the deduction.

Learn more about the Women's Fund by exploring our website, emailing us or calling us at (805) 303-1205. We will be happy to send more information or to speak with you.

Contact the Membership Committee  and we'll help you find a compatible group or help you form your own group.

Yes, a woman may join more than one group. Some group members are also individual members.

A member is simply a woman who contributes to the Women’s Fund - as either an individual or part of a group - enabling her to help select the recipients of a grants pool which is comprised of all members’ donations.