...when our mailboxes overflow with appeals from worthy nonprofits that do so much for our community throughout the year.

The Women's Fund is proud to have contributed $3.6 million to 47 of those local agencies since the Women's Fund began in 2004.

We cannot underestimate the power of collective giving and caring. While each of us alone might not counsel a child, shelter an abused woman or rescue a fragile local family - TOGETHER, we can provide significant support to the local experts who do.

In March, our 2012 Women's Fund members will select the nonprofit programs that will receive our 2012-13 grants. To vote in March - and to attend our Presentation of Funds Luncheon on April 29 - you must have contributed at least $250 during 2012.

Click here to join or renew your 2012 membership by December 31.

And don't forget - thanks to Betty Wells - every dollar donated by Dec. 31 will be matched 2-for-1 - and new Individual Members ($2,500 or more) will be matched 3-for-1.

To download a PDF of the 2012 Brochure, click here.

And speaking of voting, our Research Committee continues to narrow the list of agencies that will be on the Women's Fund ballot in March for our 2012 members to consider.

In a rigorous process that takes nearly a year, these smart and experienced volunteers identify and research non-profits in south Santa Barbara County for which a grant of $50,000 or more could have a transformative impact on the lives of vulnerable women, children and families in our community.

Click here for a glimpse of the talents our hard-working researchers bring to the table.