In a remarkable demonstration of collective giving, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara made history by awarding an unprecedented $1.125 million in grants to local nonprofits.

This groundbreaking achievement unfolded on May 7 at the iconic Lobero Theatre, where members and guests gathered to hear the announcement of 10 transformative grants.

The Celebration of Grants event not only marked a momentous year for the Women’s Fund, commemorating its 20th anniversary, but also marked a legacy of granting $11.6 million to local nonprofits since its inception in 2004.

This year'…

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Twenty years ago, a group of twelve women embarked on a mission to help women, children, and families in Santa Barbara. 

The small group wanted to support nonprofits for those most vulnerable in a big way. 

“We started with twelve women around a table … who had a vision for this kind of giving model in the community. And it’s one of those timeless models that works … that people get excited about," said board chair Jamie Dufek of the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara.

Over the years, the Women’s Fund grew into a powerhouse of sorts, increasing…

Board members Lauren Trujillo, Jamie Dufek (Chair) and Lynn Karlson (former Chair) 

The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, an all-volunteer nonprofit that pools the donations of its 1,300 members to make large grants, will award a record $1.125 million this year to local nonprofits serving women, children, and families. While the organization has grown immensely in its 20 years, the underlying concept remains the same.

There are no fundraisers or paid staff. Instead, an intelligent, informed, dedicated group of women research local needs and invite selected nonprofits to…

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,…

Largest Grants Pool in 20-Year History of Helping Nonprofits Address Critical Needs of Local Women, Children, and Families

The Women's Fund of Santa Barbara, a philanthropic organization founded 20 years ago by 12 local women, is proud to announce it will award a record-breaking grants pool of $1.125 million as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. With this significant investment, the Women's Fund continues improving the lives of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.

Over the past two decades, the Women's Fund has donated nearly $10.5 million to…

A local YMCA service for homeless young adults has made big strides since it’s opening day.

Last year, the Youth & Family Services YMCA in Santa Barbara opened its newest location, the Haley St. Navigation Center.

It now serves as the only day-time drop-in center for young adults up to 24 years old who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability in the city.

This year, the center is projected to serve over 180 young people in need, more than doubling the total number of clients served compared to last year.

Their hope is to continue growing as they…

Now celebrating its 20th year of combining charitable dollars into significant local grants, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara announced the election of its all-volunteer board of directors for 2024. 

Since 2004, the Women’s Fund has donated more than $10.5 million to 142 local nonprofits. The grants address the critical needs of women, children, and families in south Santa Barbara County.  

Newly elected to officer roles for the 1,300-member organization are Board Chair Jamie Dufek, Vice Chair Carolyn Jabs, Treasurer Kathy Dunlap, and Corporate Secretary Sabina…

Banding Together for Big Impact 

Banding together to parlay small donations into large — and often transformational — grants for worthy causes, the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara “expects to award one million dollars or more in 2024, our largest grants pool ever,” shared Jamie Dufek, the all-volunteer board chair who leads this diverse “giving circle” of about 1,300 local women. Since its establishment in 2004, for the past 20 years, the Women’s Fund has been on a mission to educate and inspire women to engage in making lasting change in our community, and together they pool…

Mayor Randy Rowse, Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Director Rob Fredericks and others cut the ribbon to the 28-unit Vera Cruz Village on Thursday, August 31, 2023. | Credit: Ryan P. Cruz

New Development Provides Permanent Housing for Low-Income, Disabled, and Formerly Homeless Residents

Twenty-eight individuals in desperate need of permanent housing now have a place to call home in downtown Santa Barbara.

On Thursday, August 31, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara hosted a grand opening of the Vera Cruz Village, a 28-unit…