Women's Fund to grant one quarter million dollars to non-profits
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. - The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts will continue to award $250,000 in grants in the coming year. Last year the fund increased its giving by 160 percent when it distributed $260,000 in “social change” grants to 23 area organizations. Although the economy is still in recovery, the Women’s Fund will not decrease its funding.“We knew that this economic crisis was going to be devastating to nonprofits and the women and girls with whom they work,” said Carla Oleska, executive director of the Fund. “We are responding by standing by women and girls through our grant making. We are not backing down.”
Grants are for organizations or programs serving women and girls in the four counties of western Massachusetts, and will range from $1,000-$15,000. Applications are due February 1, 2010.
“We look for projects that truly address the root causes, that influence long-term social change for women and girls, particularly in the areas of education, economic security and safety,” says Julie Kumble, director of grants and programs. “Our grant categories make it easier for organizations to decide where they might best fit in.” The foundation’s grants fund operating support, program support, policy impact projects, and organizational capacity building. Before applying for a grant, Kumble strongly recommends that applicants attend a pre-proposal information session on December 1, 2, 3 or 9 where guidelines will be explained in depth. Meeting times and locations, and the application itself, are available at www.womensfund.net.
In its 12th year, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has awarded over $1.3 million in grants that have helped improve the lives of more than 20,000 women and girls.
“When you change the life of just one woman, you can better not only her life, but also the lives of her children and the community in which they live,” Oleska said. “It’s a testament to people who care about women and girls and who make $15 or $1500 contributions that allow us to support these organizations. Our work starts and ends at the community level.”
