Over the first four years of our existence, the Women's Fund provided grants to programs which worked everyday to help remove obstacles that stand in the way of success for women and girls. These programs helped women and girls find the inner resources to overcome barriers of abuse, neglect, poverty and fear. From 2007-2010, the Women's Fund awarded a total of $168,500 in grants to 19 programs.
New Program Initiative in 2010
In her book, Families in Peril: An Agenda for Social Change (1987), Marian Wright Edelman writes:
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.”
The idea that the Women’s Fund of the Capital Region (WFCR) could, through the very focused application of resources, make differences that will add up over time, compelled the new direction launched in late 2010.
Education and training leading to better jobs are key to ensuring women’s economic security. With that in mind, in 2010 the WFCR developed scholarship and emergency financial assistance programs in partnership with Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College. Over twenty women have been selected to receive scholarship support to further their educational goals.
Each of the women selected maintains a GPA well above the required 2.5 and fits the definition of non-traditional student whose grit and determination are reflected in the essays that were submitted as a part of their scholarship applications.
The first six scholarship receipients were announced on December 16, 2010.
Our new three-pronged program offers a helping hand.
- The scholarship program gives a needed boost to women who have returned to the educational system. It offers financial assistance to cover expenses, support materials, supplies and related costs to complete their program and attain their career.
- The emergency financial assistance program will aid women in crisis – or to prevent a crisis. It provides cash assistance for a timely resolution, without interrupting the women’s coursework.
- The mentorship program aids women in achieving their goals. Our first mentoring event was on Friday, February 8, 2013: Visualize Your Plan for Success!
Here are some of the ways these programs will help women in our community:
$1700 — tuition for one semester
$500— books for one semester
$175— licensure exams, permit to practice, fees, etc.
$87— parking for one semester
$65— one month bus pass
$35— nursing permit to practice
We want to invest in her future
- Single moms aiming for a better life for themselves and their children.
- Working women who don’t qualify for aid, so they struggle with mounting education-related debt.
- Women returning to school after putting off their dreams of meaningful jobs and financial stability.
- Survivors of domestic violence.
Please join us in extending a helping hand.
Consider donating to the Women's Fund on behalf of yourself. You can also honor a special woman in your life during the holidays or on other occasions with a donation to The Women’s Fund of the Capital Region.