Grant Stories

The Women’s Fund, established in 1999, was founded to empower women and girls in Winnebago County through philanthropy, grantmaking, and education. At a time when only 7% of philanthropic dollars supported causes benefiting women, the founders aimed to create lasting change. Since then, the Women’s Fund has granted over $3 million to programs focused on literacy, single mothers, scholarships, and more. What began with $7,400 in grants has grown to nearly $328,000 distributed in the past year.

Throughout its 25-year history, the Women’s Fund has supported initiatives addressing the unique needs of women, girls, and families. Recent grant recipients include Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin for girls’ mentoring, Apricity for expansion of women’s sober living, and Winnebago Area Literacy Council for education of women and their daughters who are refugees or immigrants.

One of the most impactful recent grants is a $25,000 contribution to the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc.’s new Transitional Housing Program, set to launch in late 2024. This initiative was inspired by the impact of the Rise 2.0 program that launched in 2018, a collaboration between the Women’s Fund, Christine Ann, and Evergreen Retirement Community, to help single mothers become self-sufficient by eliminating barriers. One of those barriers being affordable housing. A newly purchased building will provide 11 apartments for domestic violence survivors, to include single adults of any gender, as well as families, giving them a safe place to live for up to two years. Focused on education, financial literacy, and self-sufficiency, the program aims to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The Women’s Fund grant will support costs directly related to the program such as staff compensation, utilities, repairs and maintenance, program supplies, and financial assistance for clients. “This support means that Christine Ann can provide not just a roof over survivors’ heads, but also the resources and guidance needed to break the cycles of abuse and poverty,” shared Christine Ann Executive Director, Alicia Wenger. The need for transitional housing in our community is urgent, and Christine Ann’s new program fills a critical gap. The Women’s Fund is proud to continue the invaluable work of this initiative and help create a safe, stable future for these individuals.

The Women’s Fund remains dedicated to its mission, adapting to evolving needs. With every grant, the Fund empowers individuals and strengthens the community, leaving a legacy of hope and opportunity for future generations.