The Women’s Fund is proud to have awarded nearly $2.1 million in grants since 1996. We are pleased to give our support to the following programs in 2024. To learn more about how these organizations are improving and enhancing life for so many women and girls in our community, click on the organization’s name and you will be directed to its website.
Empowered Tutoring – STEM Tutoring for Girls
$7,500 to provide targeted assistance for girls in the Menasha school district in STEM subjects to empower young women with the skills and knowledge needed for higher-paying opportunities, fostering self-sufficiency.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Reaching Out New Visions in Partnership with Catalpa Health
$15,655 to create a program partnership to bring the outdoors through the Girl Scouts Adventures on the Go program to Catalpa Health’s intensive outpatient treatment program.
SAFE Families for Children – NE Wisconsin – Supporting Parents and Mentoring Relationships
$15,000 to support women by providing temporary housing for their children, coaching, family relationships, and resources to families in crisis to break the cycle of poverty, neglect and abuse.
Waking Women Healing Institute – We Are Brave: Healing and Response for Indigenous Survivors of Violence
$10,000 to support Indigenous survivors of violence in Shawno County with programs & services.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) – Financial Wellness and Small/Micro Business Training
$10,000 to provide a holistic approach combining personal financial training along with business and entrepreneurship technical assistance to support women’s long-term success as entrepreneurs and small business owners.
World Relief – African Women’s Group
$7,500 to address challenges female refugees face by giving access to information and resources, bringing women together to share in community and gain education about the new culture that they are entering in a culturally appropriate way.
VPI – Mental Health Navigator for Women
$5,000 to provide specialized and personalized approach to addressing mental health challenges within the community by collaborating with a network of referral sources, assess the specific mental health needs of each referral and formulate a customized care plan that aligns with their unique requirements.
Apricity – Sober Living for Women
$5,000 to provide a safe home with support services to help women in recovery from substance use disorders move from instability and uncertainty to independence and self-sufficiency so each can reach her full potential and enjoy a brighter future.
Atlas Science Center – Women Leaders Program
$2,500 to provide opportunities for middle and high school girls to learn about and from different STEM careers and mentors through interactive and engaging activities. This program works to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM-related careers.
CAP Services – Skills Enhancement Program
$10,000 to provide financial assistance to support women in Outagamie and Waupaca Counties are continuing their education. This program supports women in becoming more economically and emotionally self-sufficient by providing financial assistance for training-related costs, paired with holistic case management to prevent, manage, and overcome barriers in a variety of areas.
Fox Valley Technical College Foundation – Success in Motion
$7,500 to support female FVTC students to successfully complete their education by completing a college readiness class, addressing transportation barriers and providing support for child care while in school.
Lovin’ the Skin I’m In – Empowering Black and Biracial Girls
$2,500 to support the expansion of programs for Black and Biracial girls to build self-esteem, cultivate a supportive community and support within peer monthly meetings.
Pillars – Case Management for Families in Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
$7,500 to provide case management for women in the TBRA program by helping to navigate safe, affordable housing opportunities combined with support that empowers economic advancement and self-sufficiency.
Reach Counseling Services – Basic Needs to Survivors of Sexual Violence
$5,000 to provide basic needs assistance to survivors that are not able or do not qualify for services from other agencies. This assistance will alleviate the financial burdens and stress that stem from trauma and empower survivors to build bright and healthy futures.
SAFE Families for Children – NE Wisconsin – Supporting Parents and Mentoring Relationships
$5,000 to support women by providing temporary housing for their children, coaching, family friendships, and resources to families in crisis to break the cycle of poverty, neglect, and abuse.
SOAR Fox Cities– Brilliant Women
$10,000 to provide an educational program to empower women with disabilities to build and navigate personal, professional, and romantic relationships safely and appropriately. Through this program, women with disabilities have the social skills necessary to pursue their career goals.
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC) – Financial Wellness and Small/Micro Business Training
$5,000 to provide a holistic approach combining personal financial training along with business and entrepreneurship technical assistance to support women’s long-term success as entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Apricity – Sober Living for Women
$10,000 to provide a safe home with support services to help women in recovery from substance use disorders move from instability and uncertainty to independence and self-sufficiency so each can reach her full potential and enjoy a brighter future.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services – Empowering Survivors to Self-Sufficiency
$8,000 to provide support for single mothers in the Neenah-Menasha area who are survivors of domestic abuse, as they become empowered to lead self-sufficient lives. With the support of advocates, women will learn life skills and work toward goals of education, employment, housing, and overall financial stability.
Community Clothes Closet – Free Clothing to Support Women and Girls
$5,000 to provide dignified, functional clothing so women and girls are empowered to succeed – feeling confident in social situations, acing a job interview or a test at school and staying safe from harsh, outdoor elements.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Girl Scout Leadership Experience in a Post-COVID World
$8,000 to provide a leadership experience designed for girls’ needs, with accessible, flexible pathways of participation for girls in kindergarten through high school. Through a myriad of experiences, girls will develop qualities that forever-serve them: leadership, strong values, a social conscience, conviction about their potential and self-worth, and the importance of mental wellness.
Girls on the Run Northeast Wisconsin – Maplewood Middle School Heart and Sole
$5,000 so girls in grades 6-8 can actively participate in the Heart and Sole program without financial barriers (registration fees, proper running shoes/apparel/sports bras, and transportation). The program teaches girls important social-emotional skills while building their self-confidence and incorporating physical activity.
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs – Crisis & Shelter Program
$10,000 for women in crisis, those who are trying to help loved ones in crisis, or are currently residing in shelter. “On the spot” care is provided, and relationships are established to provide ongoing support which can include stays in shelter, legal advocacy, housing assistance, transportation and employment assistance, and support in whatever barrier they may be facing. Advocates also connect women with other community resources ensuring 360-degree care.
Pillars – Case Management for Families in Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
$7,500 to provide case management for women who qualify for TBRA. This type of supportive housing provides a critical next step out of shelter and is designed to meet the unique needs of low-income families.
Reach Counseling Services – Basic Needs to Survivors of Sexual Violence
$4,000 to provide basic needs assistance to survivors that are not able or do not qualify for services from other agencies. This assistance will alleviate the financial burdens and stress that stem from trauma and empower survivors to build bright and healthy futures.
Youth Go – Lunchtime Leadership Group
$2,500 to cultivate leadership skills and confidence in middle school girls during lunchtime leadership groups. Girls will be empowered to use these skills confidently in their personal and professional lives even when faced with obstacles or challenges.
Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley – STAR: Scholars on Target to Achieve Results
$5,000 to provide unique and targeted support services that aim to improve the academic engagement and achievement of Black students with a focus on the important outcomes of helping Black students feel safe, welcome, respected, confident, capable, and equal.
Casa Esther – Casa Esther Legal Clinic
$10,000 to help victims of abuse, immigrant women and children, as they navigate the court process of crime prosecution and gaining legal permanent resident status, and to improve understanding of abused immigrant issues among police, county court, health care providers, and other community agencies.
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services – Emergency Shelter & Client Assistance
$8,750 to provide provision of safe shelter, basic needs, and support for women and girls impacted by domestic abuse in our service area.
Girls on the Run Northeast Wisconsin – Girls have Heart, Camp Girls on the Run
$5,500 to teach girls how to be inclusive using the acronym H.E.A.R.T. (head up, extend yourself, ask questions, really listen, and take turns talking) and build friendships all in a supportive environment of play, movement, building, arts, and fun!
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs – The Lullaby Project
$2,500 to encourage or initiate parent-child attachment and bonding for pregnant women or current parents who have experienced domestic violence and bolster self-confidence and the ability to be a loving parent through the healing power of music.
Menominee County Human Services Department – Family Advocacy Center
$8,750 to reach out and provide desperately needed medical services to women/girls residing in Shawano County that are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, dating violence, and other forms of abuse.
SOAR Fox Cities, Inc. – Health Education and Violence Prevention Series
$10,000 to end violence against women with disabilities by empowering them to become self-confident self-advocates who can identify, report, and leave abusive situations, while also creating allies in the community that can identify signs of abuse and better respond to and support survivors with developmental disabilities.
WisconSibs – Social and Emotional Lessons for Sibs
$2,500 to improve the mental well-being and resiliency of siblings of people with disabilities and their families by incorporating principles of social-emotional learning into WisconSibs programming and workshops.
Center for Suicide Awareness – Support for Female Veterans
$4,000 to create professionally facilitated and peer-supported support groups in the Fox Valley and Waupaca County for female veterans, who are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than civilian women.
Fox Valley Literacy – Clintonville ELL Program
$10,000 to provide literacy skills and adult basic education for Latina women and girls living in Clintonville to provide a path to equitable opportunities.
Fox Valley Technical College Foundation – Success in Motion
$4,000 to remove barriers to success for low-income women in their first year of enrollment giving them the ability to complete their educational goals, leading to self-sufficiency and economic security for themselves and their families.
Girls on the Run Northeast Wisconsin – Maplewood Middle School Heart and Sole Program
$5,000 to build self-confidence, social and emotional skills and give girls a positive and inclusive program environment to become their best selves.
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs – Momentum Group
$4,000 for a support group which inspires and encourages survivors to find who they are without their abuser, provides them the opportunity to focus on themselves and find their identity, and gives them the resources they need to live their best life.
LEAVEN – Sustainable Future Program
$5,000 to provide more extensive or more frequent financial assistance to women who are actively working to transition from crisis management to self-sufficiency. This stability will allow the women to think beyond their immediate crisis and work towards a better future.
Life Tools Foundation – Shoulders to Stand On
$10,000 to assist economically disadvantaged high school girls in the Neenah and Menasha area to overcome barriers to pursuing their dreams of post-secondary education.
Pillars – Transitional Housing Case Management
$4,000 to provide case management services for a supportive, transitional housing opportunity for women and families surviving domestic violence.
Reach Counseling – Financial Sustainability
$4,000 to support advocacy and mental health services to victims in response to emotional, sexual and physical abuse.
SOAR Fox Cities – Health Education and Violence Prevention of Women with Disabilities Series
$10,000 to end violence against women with disabilities through the education and empowerment of women with disabilities to become self-advocates, as well as raising awareness through advocacy and education in the community to the heightened risks women with disabilities face.
Youth Go – Lunchtime Leadership Group
$5,000 to create a program for middle-school girls to cultivate their leadership skills and empower them to confidently use these skills even when faced with obstacles and challenges.
Thank you to Great Northern Corporation and the following endowed funds within the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region who have contributed to the grantmaking pool: Renee Boldt Fund for Women, Rebecca Strampe Boulanger Fund for Women and Girls, Heather Boyer Fund for Women and Girls, Community First Credit Union Fund for Women, Katherine Davis Fund for Women and Girls, Elizabeth and Daniel Flaherty Family Fund, Haley Fuhrmann Little Women’s Fund, Maria and Jill Georgen Little Women’s Fund, Grace K. Graebel Little Women’s Fund, Laine Hietpas Young Philanthropist Fund, Ethel Keller Fund for Women, Vicki Margolis Fund for Women and Girls, Brigid Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Cara Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Margaret Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Lynn Salmon-Easter Little Women’s Fund, Maja Salmon Little Women’s Fund, Marvel Williamson Fund for Women, and Wisnoski/Danner Little Women’s Fund.
Girls from Freedom, Little Chute, Kaukauna and Kimberly high schools met in person in early March and again virtually in May for a two-day leadership training, community education and grantmaking program. Through facilitated discussion, the girls decided to support programs that provide training, education and resources to better prepare high school students, school personnel and others to help students experiencing mental health challenges.
The group awarded grants to the following organizations, thanks to funding made possible by the Ethel Keller Fund for Women, a fund within the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region:
N.E.W. Mental Health Connection: Healthy Teen Minds
$4,000 to provide training, education and resources for teens and school personnel to cultivate school cultures that support mental wellness, break stigma and better identify and support teens who are struggling with mental health challenges.
Prevent Suicide Fox Cities: Stronger Together – Women and Teenaged Girls Retreat
$6,000 to provide mothers and daughters with the tools to openly discuss mental health concerns and highlights the importance of having a trusted female role model. QPR Training, a proven methodology for saving a life from suicide, will also be offered.
2019 Project Grants – Printable
The Women’s Fund awarded $60,000 to the following programs and agencies addressing at least one of the 12 key indicators identified in the 2017 Status of Women in Northeast Wisconsin Report.
CAP Services: $12,500 – Skills Enhancement Program
Provides opportunities for women to attain short-term post-secondary education and develop skills that help them compete for living-wage jobs with employer-sponsored benefits.
Fox Valley Literacy: $12,500 – Clintonville English Language Learning Program
Provides access to literacy skills and adult basic education and provides a path to equitable opportunities for Latina women and girls living in Clintonville.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes: $10,000 – Reaching Out Program
Provides the Girl Scout experience for at-risk girls unable to participate in traditional troops and empowers independence, courage and self-confidence.
Girls on the Run of Northeast Wisconsin: $2,500 – Camp GOTR
Provides elementary school girls with opportunities for physical activity and social-emotional skill development during a one-week summer program that teaches life skills and promotes holistic health outcomes for girls.
Outagamie County Criminal Justice: $7,500 – Pretrial Financial Equity Initiative
Equalizes pretrial release conditions by providing GPS monitoring bracelets to eligible women who lack financial means, thereby decreasing the harm caused by incarceration, returning women to their community, family, jobs and other stabilizing factors.
Sexual Assault Crisis Center: $5,000 – KNOW More to Protect Children
Provides training to adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The goal is to reach 5% of adults in the Fox Cities by 2021, the “Tipping Point” at which a new standard of child safety in our community will be created.
SOAR Fox Cities: $10,000 – Health Education and Violence Prevention Series
Provides teen girls and adult women living with developmental or intellectual disabilities increased access to education about domestic violence, sexual assault and women’s health issues.
Thank you to Great Northern Corporation for providing grant collaboration funding.
The following funds within the Women’s Fund also contributed to the granting pool: Renee Boldt Fund for Women, Rebecca Strampe Boulanger Fund for Women and Girls, Heather Boyer Fund for Women and Girls, Community First Credit Union Fund for Women, Elizabeth and Daniel Flaherty Family Fund, Haley Fuhrmann Little Women’s Fund, Maria and Jill Georgen Little Women’s Fund, Grace K. Graebel Little Women’s Fund, Laine Hietpas Young Philanthropist Fund, Ethel Keller Fund for Women, Vicki Margolis Fund for Women and Girls, Brigid Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Cara Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Margaret Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Lynn Salmon-Easter Little Women’s Fund, Maja Salmon Little Women’s Fund, Marvel Williamson Fund for Women, and Wisnoski/Danner Little Women’s Fund.
In the spring of 2019, girls from Neenah, Menasha and St. Mary Catholic high schools identified access and opportunities to post-secondary education as the priority issue they wished to address through grant making.
The group awarded grants to the following organizations, thanks to funding made possible by the Ethel Keller Fund for Women, a fund within the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region:
Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley: $5,000 – Scholars on Target to Achieve Results (STAR)
This program is an academic engagement intervention program for middle & high school Black/African American students in the Appleton and Menasha school districts. Full-time opportunity coordinators serve as advocates, mentors, connectors and guides with a goal of closing the gap in high school graduation rates.
Life Tools Foundation: $2,500 – Shoulders to Stand On
This program provides exceptional one-on-one tutoring for students from economically disadvantaged families to maximize their learning potential and confidently pursue their educational and personal goals.
Fox Valley Technical College Foundation: $2,500 – You Mean, I Can Go to College?
This program helps female students at risk of not graduating from high school change their mindset about education, complete their high school diploma and removes barriers to enrollment in higher education coursework.
Appleton Area School District: $10,000 – Teen Parent Support
Provides teen parents who are at-riskof dropping out of school with support and financial assistance so they will be able to remain in school, earn their high school diploma and be on the road to self-sufficiency in adulthood.
CAP Services: $10,000 – Skills Enhancement Program
Provides job training skills for 75 women, ages 18-29, that will help them secure new higher paying employment, have access to benefits, increase their economic security and reach their goal of becoming self-sufficient.
Fox Valley Technical College Foundation: $10,000 – Two-Generational Family Strengthening
Provides 12 women and their children with enhanced computer, digital and financial literacy skills to help strengthen their economic security.
Greater Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity: $5,000 – Women Build
Provides a single mother and her children with a home. The Women Build will engage 150 women volunteers and call attention to the lack of affordable housing and the effect it has on single parent households in the area.
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs: $5,000 – Economic Security for Survivors of Domestic Abuse
Provides survivors of domestic abuse access to education, training and support services they need to move toward economic self-determination, increased wages and jobs with advancement potential.
LEAVEN: $10,000 – Young Women’s Emergency Assistance Fund
Provides financial assistance, case management and referrals to households headed by 18-29 year old women who are struggling to meet their basic needs.
Sexual Assault Crisis Center: $10,000 – Fox Cities Sexual Assault Adult Prevention Education Tipping Point
Provides training to adults on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. The goal is to reach 5% of adults in the Fox Cities by 2021, the “Tipping Point” at which a new standard of child safety in our community will be created.
Thank you to Great Northern Corporation for providing grant collaboration funding.
The following funds within the Women’s Fund also contributed to the granting pool: Renee Boldt Fund for Women, Rebecca Strampe Boulanger Fund for Women and Girls, Heather Boyer Fund for Women and Girls, Community First Credit Union Fund for Women, Elizabeth and Daniel Flaherty Family Fund, Haley Fuhrmann Little Women’s Fund, Maria and Jill Georgen Little Women’s Fund, Grace K. Graebel Little Women’s Fund, Ethel Keller Fund for Women, Vicki Margolis Fund for Women and Girls, Brigid Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Cara Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Margaret Guy Prosser Little Women’s Fund, Lynn Salmon-Easter Little Women’s Fund, Maja Salmon Little Women’s Fund, Marvel Williamson Fund for Women, and Wisnoski/Danner Little Women’s Fund.
In the spring of 2018, girls from Appleton Central, Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton West, Fox Valley Lutheran and Xavier high schools met for a two-day leadership training, community education and grantmaking program. Through facilitated discussion, the girls identified three issues important to them and their peers:
At the end of the program, they awarded $10,000 in grants to the following programs.
2018 Girls’ Grantmaking Project Grants – Printable Version
COTS, Inc.: $3,000 – Young Adult Program
Provides young adults, ages18-24, with a safe, affordable place to live, food and life skills training. Participants find help overcoming multi-faceted barriers as they transition to self-sufficiency.
Homeless Connections: $3,500 – School Ready Program
Provides necessary school supplies and proper school attire (including backpacks and gym shoes) throughout the year to students experiencing homelessness and receiving shelter services.
Operation Cinderella: $1,500 – Operation Cinderella Dress Event
Provides low income or under-served students everything they need to attend prom. Each girl is assigned a fairy godmother to guide them through the day where they have their hair and make-up done and receive a prom dress, shoes, clutch, and jewelry at no cost.
Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs: $2,000 – Breaking out of the Man Box – Challenging Sexist Culture through Awareness and Education
Provides four groups of middle or high school aged girls and boys with knowledge and tools to help them see and challenge sexist culture. The curriculum, created in partnership with Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Voices of Men, Reach Counseling and Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, will help raise awareness about Man Box culture, as well as other issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence, such as consent, safety and victim-blaming.
Thank you to the Ethel Keller Fund for Women for the grant funding for this program!