The Women’s Fund is stronger for the many talents, diverse interests, and generous volunteerism of our members. Jennifer d’Offay, who joined in late 2024, is a perfect example. She quickly gravitated toward the Resource Development Committee (RDC) and stepped into a vital role as the committee’s liaison to the Communications Committee.
The RDC supports the Women’s Fund Endowment and Legacy Society as well as our Sponsorship and Member Underwriting programs. Jennifer and the other RDC members help secure corporate sponsorships and member underwriting.
These funds offset our operational costs and the expenses of our educational events. Furthermore, the RDC builds long-term sustainability for the Women’s Fund by stewarding our Endowment and Legacy Society donors, helping ensure a firm financial future for our collective philanthropy. Jennifer deeply understands how vital this development work is to the ultimate impact of our grantmaking.
“As an all-volunteer organization, our expenses are modest—but they are real, and sponsors help cover those costs,” Jennifer explains. “Their generosity is key to ensuring that every possible dollar goes directly into community grants and education, supporting the local organizations doing vital work in our community.”
Jennifer’s passion for community support is deeply rooted in her own life’s work as a healer, an educator, and a communicator. She has dedicated decades of her life to education and wellness, including 15 years as an elementary school teacher and 25 years as a yoga instructor.
“Living with the effects of early childhood trauma and neurodivergence, I learned firsthand how steadying yoga and meditation could be,” she shares.
Over the years, she developed her own unique approach to body and mind harmony through a blend of educational expertise and holistic wellness practices. Her teaching journey has been wideranging—from large public classes to private clubs, homes, and corporate offices. She has even developed comprehensive wellness programs for major companies including Google, Pinterest, Levi’s, and Bank of America.
Following a life-threatening battle with complications from breast cancer surgery,
Jennifer found sound healing—first to soothe her own nervous system, and then as something to share with others. Today she guides sound baths using an octave of eight crystal singing bowls, which she hopes to offer to those working in high-stress professions (police, EMTs, and firefighters). “It’s a small way to give back to those who spend their days in service to others.” Fortunately for the Women’s Fund, Jennifer finds deep joy in volunteering and fundraising. We are incredibly grateful to have her unique energy, resilience, and talent on our team! Since 2004, the Women’s Fund has contributed over $14 million to local nonprofits that address critical community needs and enhance the quality of life for women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County. The 2025-2026 grant recipients include:
- AHA Attitude, Harmony, Achievement
- Angels Foster Care
- Community Partners in Caring
- Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County
- Friendship Adult Day Care Center
- Mission Scholars
- Planned Parenthood California Central Coast
- Santa Barbara Meals on Wheels
- Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
- Veggie Rescue
More information about each of these grantees can be found here.
GET INVOLVED! The Resource Development Committee is always looking for enthusiastic member volunteers to help with our outreach efforts. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support our mission, please send an email to sponsorships@womensfundsb.org. Membership in the Women’s Fund is open to all women who are committed to making a difference in our community through collective giving. To join or learn more, visit www.womensfundsb.org