This past September 26, members and invited guests of the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara gathered at the Fess-Parker Doubletree Hotel to listen to presentations from several recipients of grants totaling over $485,000. This organization is an all-volunteer collective donor group, which currently maintains around 750 members. These members accumulate their collective donations into substantial grants that are then bestowed to nonprofit groups, which address the needs of women, children and families in southern Santa Barbara County and throughout the region.
For a period of almost a full year, this organization’s research committee executes exhaustive research on potential grantees and ultimately submits their recommendations for its members to vote on. Leisa Consentino, the coordinator of this event, said that this was meant to encourage the grantees to speak on both the challenges and the successes that they experienced.
Casa Pacifica was honored to receive a grant in the amount of $75,000 from the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara in the spring of 2017. This grant has been used to expand our rapid mobile crisis response on weekends for young people who have experienced mental health emergencies.
Other notable recipients of grants from the Women’s Fund included the Santa Barbara Unified School District’s Effective Access to College Program, Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, and AHA! (Attitude, Harmony, Achievement). The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara also bestowed grants to Domestic Violence Solutions, Peoples’ Self-Help Housing, and St. Vincent’s of Santa Barbara.
The Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara was launched in 2004, and since then it has awarded grants in excess of $6 million. Membership is open to all women, either individually or as part of a group. Many members contribute by making financial donations, however, there are a number of members who primarily donate their time through volunteer positions. This organization does not hold any fundraiser events, as all of the funds are solely obtained from members.
We are so thankful for the kindness and compassion shown to Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families by the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara through this substantial grant. If you would like to donate to help our cause, there are many ways that you can give as shown on our giving opportunities page: https://www.casapacifica.org/ways_to_give/giving. As the season of giving thanks approaches, we want to personally express our deepest gratitude for all who contribute to the success of our mission, both financially and as volunteers. We couldn’t do it without you, THANK YOU!