There is both comfort and power in numbers when a group of women collectively invest their money with a goal of making a positive difference in their community. That is the purpose of the women who formed the WIGS (Women’s Independent Giving Society) several years ago in Santa Ynez Valley.
Inspired by similar organizations in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, WIGS was founded by Nancy Englander, Mila Hart, Claire Hanssen, Annette Serrurier, Carolyn Balaban, Nancy Eklund Hunsicker, Sandra Focht, Barbara Crist and Phyllis Hennigan. They and other donors wanted to magnify the impact of their giving through pooled resources and targeted philanthropy. They had a strong desire to invest their contributions intelligently with a goal of improving lives in the Santa Ynez Valley.
The mission of WIGS is to develop and maintain a women’s “giving circle” to fund selected human services for disadvantaged families and children in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos Valleys.
People Helping People was selected as the umbrella organization for WIGS because of the diversity of its four program focus areas encompassing 18 social services, allowing members of WIGS to choose which among them to fund. According to WIGS founder and President Nancy Hunsicker, “the selection of PHP serves the purposes of eliminating organizational and administrative overhead, legal costs, and legal liabilities while allowing members to selectively donate to a wide array of valley “safety net” services. Every dollar we raise goes straight to the bottom line of our chosen programs.”
PHP’s reports show that over the over the past 5 years, WIGS has donated $179,000 to PHP programs ensuring uninterrupted services in the areas of food distribution, emergency assistance, domestic violence prevention, and youth programs. In recognition of this work, WIGS received the Santa Barbara County Commission on Women’s Service Award in 2013.
The membership of WIGS meets annually for a private luncheon, hosted, donated and prepared by founders, in order to assess and select the programs which will receive funding for the following year. PHP staff present a detailed report on outcomes and impacts of prior donations as well as current pressing needs. Members then vote their choices on the distribution of funds to selected programs.
To become a regular member of WIGS, a minimum contribution of $500 is required. This contribution may be split between two parties who will have a single vote. Sustaining members contribute $1,000, have one vote, and may join the group’s annual luncheon planning committee.
The WIGS annual membership luncheon is planned for Thursday, April 10th from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. For more information on how you can participate, please contact Nancy Hunsicker at fairoakfarm@hughes.net or 688-2851.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nancy Hunsicker
fairoakfarm@hughes.net
(805) 688-2851
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