The Women’s Network – Connecting for Change (Wake County)
We all know that women have traditionally made tremendous contributions to the strength and vitality of their families and communities, often making a difference in quiet, unheralded ways. Today, women across the country are recognizing the power of concerted action and creating giving groups to leverage their collective finances to work on mutual concerns and shared goals.
OUR BEGINNINGS
In late 2006, Wake County joined the ranks of communities across North Carolina and beyond by initiating a local women’s giving group. Beginning with four members, The Women’s Network of Wake County expects to have 100 members in 2008 and to continue growing as other women learn of our dynamic purpose.
OUR MISSION AND FOCUS
The Women’s Network, a program of the North Carolina Community Foundation is committed to leveraging the power of collective philanthropy as we work to connect women in meaningful and purposeful ways. Initiatives that benefit women and children are our current priority. Our focus is to:
Provide needed resources to strengthen our community
Increase women’s involvement in philanthropy throughout Wake County through informed, strategic giving
Assist in building an endowment to benefit future generations of women
OUR APPROACH
The Women’s Network seeks membership from those who support our mission and agree to become participating members of the fund. Through a collaborative decision-making process involving all fund members, we provide grants to organizations and programs based on specific criteria established by members. All women are invited to participate in our collective endeavor.
MEMBERSHIP AND BENEFITS
All members commit to contribute $1,200 for five consecutive years. Annual distribution includes: $1,000 for the annual grantmaking pool; $100 for administrative purposes; and $100 for the statewide Women’s Fund, held by the North Carolina Community Foundation. All members receive one vote to determine the organization/s and program/s to receive annual funding. As an individual member, you also have the opportunity to:
Participate in an organization of women empowering other women
Help women make strategic and informed decisions about philanthropy
Attend The Women’s Network educational meetings and special events
Network with women who share similar values and enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being part of a cause-driven group
GRANTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A major purpose of The Women's Network is to strengthen the Wake County community through the power of the membership’s collective giving. Through a carefully developed and streamlined grants process, The Women's Network Fund provides financial support to local programs and services that have a strong impact on critical and/or emerging needs in our community. The process begins with the determination of priorities for funding for the year, typically in February and March. In early April, non profits, identified by Network members receive a request to submit a letter of inquiry. From the letters submitted, a select number are invited by the Grants Committee to submit full applications. The grants committee selects finalists based on the full application and then presentations are made in front of the full membership in September. All members of the Network vote on the agencies to receive grant funding. Grants are awarded at an annual celebration event in October, which gives our community service providers and members a chance to reflect on our common concerns and renew our shared commitment to make a positive difference in Wake County. The grants pool for 2008 will range between $95,000 and $100,000 and the smallest grant awarded is $25,000.
2007 GRANT AWARDS
During this first year of operation, we determined our funding priority to be the needs of women and children, and to award grants in the amount of $25,000 or more for greatest impact. Out of 14 applications, two $32,500 grants were made to Learning Together and The Women’s Center of Wake County.
Learning Together has been providing direct services in Wake County to children with and without disabilities and their families for more than 30 years. Their mission is to provide these services through innovative, developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive learning experiences. Learning Together will use its funding to expand their BEST Care Kidz program, a multi-faceted mental health program for foster children and their biological mothers who have temporarily lost custody of their children for various reasons. Leasing a house near Learning Together’s current program facility will allow mothers and their young children to visit in an environment that facilitates appropriate interaction between children and parents. Staff will be able to better assess the needs of the parents in a home-like setting rather than the sterile visiting room in an agency. This project addresses the needs of our most vulnerable children in foster care, those ages 0 to 5. Attachment is so critical at this age and visiting in an environment that feels like “home” enables mothers and their children to spend more meaningful time together.
The Women’s Center of Wake County works to empower women to lead self-directed lives, realize economic viability, enjoy satisfying relationships and strengthen their participation in the community. The Women’s Center will use their funding for its SHAPE (Safety Health And Personal Empowerment) program. This program is an educational program that promotes, supports and sustains gradual and positive change in women who are extremely marginalized due to homelessness, severe/persistent mental illness, substance abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and a lifestyle dependent on prostitution. SHAPE has three program levels that are based on where participants fall in a self assessment of their risk behaviors and stages of change. As the participants progress through each of the program levels, the objectives are geared towards helping women obtain the skills, resources and access to healthcare needed to help themselves.
