Every summer we ask our Women's Fund grant recipients to tell us how they are doing with the funds we awarded them earlier in the year. It's also an appropriate time to report to you on the progress of the Women’s Fund for 2009.  

As of July 1, we have raised $260,000 in paid and pledged memberships. That's more than 70% of the total we raised in memberships in 2008 ($353,000) - and is a wonderful reflection of the continuing generosity of women in Santa Barbara despite the challenging economy.  Since our community needs us now more than ever, we cannot let up on our push for more members - and more funds.

The beauty of pledging to become an individual or group member is that you don't have to pay until December 1. But pledging now is both helpful and important because our volunteer Research Committee is already hard at work evaluating the agencies and programs for our 2009-10 awards. Our researchers need to have an idea of the size of our pool of funds as they assess agencies and potential grant amounts to be included on the ballot at the end of the year. 

If you haven't yet joined, please do so now. Or if you already have joined, please help us recruit new members. See our marketing materials on our website.

Here's what some of our members have told us:

NancyBell Coe:  "I joined the Women's Fund because I respect the research, the decision-making process for funding, and the significant impact the Fund makes in the community. I want to contribute to the community, but at this point have limited time and money. I thought participating in the Women's Fund is a terrific way to help."   

Carrie Randolph:  "When I first heard about the Women's Fund, the cost of an individual membership seemed out of my budget, so I was delighted to discover I could join as part of a group. Being so inspired at the Awards Luncheon, I was surprised to learn that many of my friends were not members. I invited them to an informational coffee with a Women's Fund speaker. My goal of forming a new group, named "Instead of Shoes," was achieved and exceeded by actually having enough women for two groups. It was apparent that after discussing together our first ballot vote everyone left with a feeling of generosity toward our community."
 
Sybil Rosen:  "I dropped out of the Women's Fund two years ago because I wanted to focus my charitable dollars on the non-profits where I volunteer. Two of these organizations, Casa Serena and SB Neighborhood Clinics, received $75,000 and $80,000 Women’s Fund awards earlier this year. I've seen first hand what this larger gift has done for them - giving them a security and confidence that doesn't come with smaller grants. I'm rejoining the Women's Fund because I want to have that impact on other organizations."  

So please join us - at the individual level with a contribution of $2,500 or more or as part of a group totaling $2,500. We'll even help you join a group or create one. Please contact info@womensfundsb.org. And don't forget that you can pledge now and pay later.

Since 2004, we have contributed nearly $2.2 million to local agencies through the power of collective philanthropy. Please participate with us in Changing Lives Together.

On October 7, Women’s Fund members and guests (potential members) will be able to tour four of our 2008-09 award recipients' sites and learn how all ten awardees are making a difference with their Women’s Fund grants. Mark October 7 on your calendar and more details will be available soon. This is a powerful experience you won’t want to miss.