As of September 30, the Women's Fund of Santa Barbara has raised $420,000 in 2010 memberships, pledges and contributions - surpassing the $350,000 threshold of the Betty Elings Wells grant  which means that every dollar donated to the fund between now and December 31 will be matched 2-for-1, up to $250,000. So tell a friend about the Women's Fund today - this may be just the motivation she needs to become a member... and it's an investment in your community that makes good sense!

Here is some of what we learned from our grantees:

Casa Esperanza Executive Director Mike Foley, who has hired the volunteer coordinator funded by our grant: "Because we will never be able to hire enough professionals to solve the problems of homelessness, addiction and mental health, we need to harness the power of everyday people who care deeply about the less fortunate - backed by professionals. Thanks to the Women's Fund, this is a challenge we are now undertaking."

Catholic Charities Regional Coordinator Brian Clark pointed to the newly installed solar panels funded by the Women's Fund and said, "The solar panels will provide a yearly cost savings that will be leveraged into meeting an increasing demand for food for those in need - a demand estimated to rise by 35% in 2010."

St. Vincent's Executive Director Sister Margaret Keveaney: "Women accepted into our PATH program are usually self-motivated although struggling with homelessness, poverty, abuse and past addiction. With the help of the Women's Fund, we are giving them the tools they need - support, training, therapy, child care and parenting classes - to create new lives for themselves and our children."

Domestic Violence Solutions Executive Director Richard Kravetz reported that the new WF-funded volunteer coordinator is already extending the reach of DVS staff: "The sharp rise in domestic violence coupled with the recession and our state budget crisis underscore that this grant could not have come at a more critical time."

Sarah House Executive Director Randy Sunday said the Women's Fund grant had enabled the 24-hour residential end-of-life facility to operate at full capacity this year: "Sixty percent of Sarah House residents are women who have an average annual income of just over $6,000. Our goal is to ensure our residents have food and shelter as well as dignity, peace and comfort for the remainder of their days."

Here are some reactions to the Site Visit from our members:

"Hearing the stories shared by the agencies made me shed tears of admiration and appreciation for how the Women's Fund supports the many amazing services of nonprofits in Santa Barbara." - Katya Armistead

"Having the Women's Fund set tour days really helps to see firsthand how the nonprofits are run and how effective they are in our community, despite the overwhelming responsibilities to care for the underserved. Nonprofits have to be cost-effective, consequently they learn how to leverage minimum resources for maximum results. They are essential partners for the well being of our community." - Kerrie Kilpatrick-Weinberg

"It really makes you feel good to see how the people are spending the money and what a change it has helped in their organizations." - Betty Elings Wells

"I always leave the Women's Fund events feeling inspired, and this luncheon was no exception." - Julie Sorenson

As part of our continuing learning process, we invited members to provide feedback on this year's Site Visit. Thanks to the dozen-plus members who shared helpful thoughts and ideas, which will be incorporated into our planning for next year's Site Visit.