Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund Celebrates 20 Years and $5.7 Million in Philanthropic Impact

In 2004, Gayle Gilles-Mize, then chairman of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, felt that women should be encouraged to play a more important role in our community’s philanthropy. She called women’s giving circles all around the country and gathered two friends, Emily Bagnall and Libby Frank, over coffee. They made lists of women to solicit for membership, and in just ten days, they had 52 charter members. Fast forward to today, and as of May of this year, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund has awarded over $5,700,000 during its 20-year history. 

With 146 members in 2024, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund awarded a record-breaking $500,000 at the organization’s May 7 awards meeting to 11 local nonprofits. “Of course, the financial impact we make on our grantees is significant but, they also gain exposure to future investment, increased volunteer base, and dedicated, accomplished women who often get involved in leadership or board roles,” says Board Chair and President Nikki Carmody Ream.

To honor Gillies-Mize’s legacy, her son, Bill Gillies, donated $1 million this year toward the organization’s Longevity Fund to ensure its success in serving the community for generations to come. More than just a grant provider, the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund is a platform that empowers women to connect, network, engage in service projects, and stay informed about crucial community and philanthropic issues. The 2024-2025 grant season kicks off on September 18 at 5pm with a cocktail meeting in a private Rancho Santa Fe home.  rsfwomensfund.org