After nearly a year of extensive work, the Women's Fund Research Committee is putting the final touches on the ballot package that will be emailed to Women's Fund members on March 9. The ballot will present a dozen nonprofit agencies that are candidates to receive some of the Women's Fund's $550,000 grants pool at our April 28 Presentation of Funds Luncheon.

So how do nonprofit agencies make it to the ballot? The rigorous year-long process is outlined on our website as well as bios of the talented Research Committee volunteers who do the work.

One of the most important steps for our researchers is educating themselves on the critical issues faced by our communities. This year, the Research Committee compiled a wealth of data from many sources to provide a snapshot of economic conditions in South Santa Barbara County and to aid in their decision-making.

The report is entitled The Impact of Poverty on Local Women and Families and is being shared for your information and to help our members prepare for voting.

All 2013 Women's Fund members are eligible to vote in March for our 2013-14 grantees. Members and guests are invited to attend the April 28 luncheon. (There is a $60 fee this year.) Watch your inbox for the luncheon invitation on April 1.