At its most recent board meeting, the Women’s Fund Board of Directors established a significant grants pool of $1.375 million to be awarded in 2026! Our grants will support the essential work local nonprofits do to address the needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County. Since 2004, we have awarded nearly $13 million to 163 local nonprofits. Congratulations—and a huge thank you—to all our members who have been changing lives together since 2004!

“This large grants pool not only reflects the remarkable generosity of our 1,450+ members but also their commitment to our community,” says Women’s Fund Board Chair Carolyn Jabs. “It demonstrates the power of collective giving. By combining our contributions, we magnify the impact of every member’s donation so we can give significant grants to nonprofits with projects that benefit vulnerable women, children, and families.”

Most of this year’s grants pool will fund our usual transformational grants of $50,000 or more. A portion will also be used to fund our new Small Grants Pilot program. Members told us, through surveys and focus groups, that we should find a way to support smaller nonprofits with good ideas. The Small Grants Pilot will offer grants of either $10,000 OR $25,000 and will target agencies with annual budgets of less than $500,000. Stay tuned for more information about this new initiative in the coming months.

What happens next?

Our volunteer Research Committee has carefully reviewed projects from local nonprofits to compile this year’s ballot. At the end of March, our 1,450+ members will cast their votes on that ballot. Mark your calendar with these important upcoming dates for voting and celebrating!  

• Monday, Feb. 16 - Ballot Information Package emailed to all Women's Fund members.
• Friday, Feb. 27, 5:00 p.m. – Deadline to submit questions in advance of the Ballot Review Meeting.
• Thursday, March 5, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.– Virtual Ballot Review Meeting for members only.
• Friday, March 6 - Ballots emailed to all eligible voters (voting Group Captains and Individual Members) with a link to cast electronic votes.
• March 6 to March 28– Voting Window. Group Captains host group voting meetings to decide how to cast their group votes; Individual Members can attend ballot discussion groups before casting their own ballots.
• Saturday, March 28, 6:00 p.m. - Deadline for electronic voting by eligible voters.
• Tuesday, May 13, 5:00 p.m. – Celebration of Grants at the Lobero Theatre; attend and meet our 2025-26 grantees!