Affiliate Funds

Women’s Fund

Investing in opportunity and equality to empower the women and children of Lorain County through education, grantmaking, and philanthropy.

Our Mission and History

Established in 1991, the Women’s Fund is dedicated to investing in opportunities and promoting equality to empower the women and children of Lorain County through education, grantmaking, and philanthropy.

Over thirty years ago, a group of visionary women in Lorain County recognized the lack of financial support for programs specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by women, including underemployment, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and single parenting issues.

These injustices persist today, and the Women’s Fund remains steadfast in its mission to build an endowment that supports vital programs for women and children. We educate the public about the pressing issues affecting women and youth and drive philanthropic efforts to overcome these obstacles. Our mission is to invest, support, and empower the women and children of Lorain County through education, grantmaking, and philanthropy.

Questions About the Women’s Fund?

Adeline Dascoli

Women’s Fund President

Contact Adeline right arrow

Colleen Walts

Development Officer

Contact Colleen right arrow

Learn About the Women’s Efforts

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Grantmaking

The Women’s Fund supports Lorain County non-profit organizations through a competitive grant program held each August. Funds are awarded to organizations that support social, educational, and artistic projects by, for, and delivered to women and children.

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Scholarships

The Lorain County Women’s Scholarship Fund offers scholarships to support female-identifying students in Lorain County, helping them achieve their educational goals and empowering their future success.

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Change the Cycle

In 2021, the Women’s Fund launched Change the Cycle to combat Period Poverty by providing free products throughout the county to those in need. Volunteers host supply drives, and products are distributed through United Way of Greater Lorain County.

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Women’s Fund Advisory Board

  • Adeline Dascoli-President
  • Judy Pulito-Vice President, Change the Cycle Initiative Committee Chair
  • Ariel Powell-Treasurer
  • Gretchen Norton-Secretary
  • Shari Sackett-Community Engagement Chair
  • Theresa Holthaus-Development Committee Chair
  • Cyndi McCabe
  • Emily Lanzola
  • SueAnn Naso
  • Michele Horner
  • Colleen Walts-Staff Liaison
Become a part of the Women’s Fund

Women’s Fund Grants

Application Opens: August 1
Application Deadline: September 1
Board Decision: October 

The Women’s Fund is a permanent endowment that encourages endeavors that are developed by or benefit women and children. The Women’s Fund grant program provides funding to non-profit organizations, informal groups of women, or emerging grassroots organizations where 100% of the clients benefiting from the grant funding are women and children. 

$436K

in grants and scholarships since 1994

Apply for Grants
Apply for Scholarships

Our Impact

Event

Sheroes Presented by the Women’s Fund Returns Thursday, August 6, 2026
Event

A Perfect Pairing Event for Change the Cycle Thursday, May 7
Affiliate Fund

Women’s Fund Celebrates 30 Years of Supporting Lorain County Women

Explore Our Funds

Women’s Fund Initiatives – Change the Cycle

The current philanthropic initiative of the Women’s Fund is Change the Cycle, which combats the lack of affordable access to period products for menstruating people. Through bulk purchasing directly from product wholesalers, the fund can support a woman for an entire year with a $35 donation, or for a lifetime with a $1,350 donation.

Lorain County Women’s Scholarship Fund

Provides scholarships for Lorain County women who have embraced serving serving their school or community.

Clare Cygan Young Fund for Women and Girls

Augments the grantmaking activity of the Women’s Fund.

Hilda J. and J. Florence Ramsay Fund

Augments grants from the Women’s Fund in support of programs serving women and girls in the City of Lorain.

Michael G. and Madeline T. (Melvin) Kisula Family Fund

Supports projects for, and by, the women and children of Lorain County.

Women’s Fund

Supports Women’s Fund grantmaking abilities to support projects for, and by, the women and children of Lorain County.