It's almost time to cast your ballot...

When all your holiday cards have been opened and savored, there will still be one more important piece of mail arriving in your mailbox shortly after December 28. That's the date the Women's Fund ballot will be mailed to all voting members, describing a dozen nonprofit agencies proposed for 2009-10 Women's Fund grants.   

If you are a group captain, it’s not too early to set a date to get your group together in early January to discuss the ballot and finalize your group’s vote. As in past years, all members will receive ballot packages for review but only individual members and group captains will have official ballots for voting.

Members will have until 5 pm on January 15 to return completed ballots to the Santa Barbara Foundation. Agencies that receive the most votes will receive grants announced at our exciting Awards Presentation Luncheon on Monday, February 8, 2010. Any members contributing $250 or more during 2009 will be sent a luncheon invitation in January.

Thanks and Appreciation…

Last month we thanked our Research Committee and we can't end our year without acknowledging Rachael Steidl and Fleurette Barsom-Janigian, 2009 Oversight Committee Co-Chairs, and the Oversight Committee. These women have spent countless hours monitoring award recipients, creating effective communication materials, assisting membership and planning our Presentation of Funds and Site Visit. Without their help we would not be the efficient organization we are.

Most of all we are grateful for each Women’s Fund member who so generously contributes toward and votes for effective programs that meet critical needs in our community. With your help we are making dreams happen and changing lives together.

We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and prosperous new year!