In 2009, we will be facing a change that is a first for us--less money to give than the year before. In our first five years we have all been in awe of the growth in numbers of women participating and amounts given. THIS NEED NOT CHANGE!  What will change is the amount contributed by our greatest benefactor and partner in giving, the Orfalea Fund. For the past three years, the Orfalea Fund has matched member contributions in the amount of $878,000--an amount we never could have imagined, and for which we are all so grateful.  Not only have we been able to put substantially more funds to work in our community, we have also inspired many women to join with us in our unique women's philanthropy.

While the Orfalea Fund will continue to participate with us on a smaller scale, it is now largely up to us to match and exceed the $353,000 our members gave last year. We are all aware that local needs are greater than ever while the non-profits who address them are dealing with depleted incomes. We urge you to be as generous as you can and encourage friends to join you. Remember, a membership is $2500 or MORE. Both individuals and groups can give as much above the minimum as they like.

We look forward to another exciting year of exploring needs and making life better for women, children and families in the greater Santa Barbara community. Together we can do this!

Carol Palladini, Founding Chair

The Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) program called Women in Philanthropy (WIP) invites all Women's Fund members to a box lunch panel discussion "A Multitude of Soloists: the Impact of Today's World on Mental Health".

You will learn what's working, what's not and how to get involved when the panelists discuss the "big picture" of mental health services in Santa Barbara County.

All members of the Women’s Fund receive invitations to four WIP events each year. WIP provides an evolving forum for women to come together to discuss philanthropy and volunteer work in the nonprofit sector. Sponsored activities are purely educational and solicitation free.

Wednesday, May 20, 1pm, Dos Pueblos High School (DP), Performing Arts Center for site visit and only oportunity to see DP engineering Adademy's award-winning robot perform. RSVP by May 18 to info@womensfundsb.org.

Tuesday, June 9, noon-2 pm at  the Santa Barbara Foundation, 13 East Carrillo Street. RSVP to wip@sbfoundation.org or (905)963-1873, ext. 110. Invitation mailed.

Saturday, June 13 by invitation. Member's Brunch for individual women contributing $2500 or more. This event is generously underwritten by an anonymous donor.