July 26 2026–11:00 AM

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund (RSFWF) recently announced its selection as a final nominee for the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ (AFP) Grantmaker of the Year Award – San Diego Chapter. The nomination was sponsored by the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Meals on Wheels, HomeStart, and Project Next. The award recognizes outstanding achievement based on an organization’s regional impact, philanthropic leadership and volunteer engagement, according to a news release.

“For 22 years the Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund has demonstrated a unique ability to strengthen nonprofit organizations through strategic grantmaking, kindle volunteerism and develop philanthropic leaders,” said Ben Moraga, president and CEO of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, in the news release. “The lasting impact of their work throughout San Diego County warrants recognition, and inspired us to sponsor their nomination.”

Regional impact: Since its inception in 2004, the RSFWF has awarded over $6.8 million in grants to 188 nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego, with annual grantmaking growing from $100,000 in its first year, to more than $500,000 annually today. These grants have enabled organizations – working across health services, social services, women’s services, children and youth services, education, arts and culture, economic empowerment, and military services – to reach vulnerable populations by launching new programs and expanding existing services.

Philanthropic leadership: The RSFWF is unique in that it operates as an independent 501c3 governed and managed entirely by volunteers. The diverse membership of working and retired professionals, entrepreneurs, and committed philanthropists, maintains a sophisticated and respected grantmaking program within a collective philanthropy model, the news release stated.

Volunteer engagement: Members of the RSFWF are engaged directly in every aspect of the philanthropic process, identifying community priorities, reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and evaluating nonprofit effectiveness, with all members determining which organizations receive funding. In this way, the organization inspires its members to become more active participants in community service, charitable giving and civic leadership.

“Since our inception, our vision has been to improve and strengthen lives through charitable giving, support innovative approaches to philanthropy, and educate and inspire our members to be well-informed, active philanthropists,” said Mary Consalvi, RSFWF president and board chair, in the news release. “It is a true distinction to be named a finalist for this award, and we are deeply grateful to the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Project Next and Homestart for nominating us.”

The AFP will recognize outstanding foundations and grantmakers during their National Philanthropy Day celebration at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Nov. 13, 2026.

For more information about the RSFWF, membership opportunities, grantmaking, or donating to RSFWF, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or contact admin@rsfwomensfund.org or boardchair@rsfwomensfund.org.