Women’s Fund

History of the Women’s Fund

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

Over thirty years ago, a few Lorain County women were concerned by the lack of financial support given to programs specifically designed to meet the needs of women even though women were more likely to suffer from many of society’s injustices, including underemployment, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and single parenting issues.

Many of these same injustices continue today. The Women’s Fund is dedicated to building an endowment that supports women’s and children’s programming, educates the public about the problems facing today’s female and juvenile populations, and drives philanthropic endeavors geared towards solving those obstacles.

$227K

in grants awarded to the community.

1991

empowering women since

Our Mission

To invest, support, and empower the women and children of Lorain County through education, grantmaking, and philanthropy.

Education

Each year, the Women’s Fund hosts A Time to Shine for SHEroes, an educational and social event that focuses on a rising need within our community while honoring the women who helped shape our lives.

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.

Philanthropy

Members of the Women’s Fund continually put their words into action by working hands-on to better Lorain County. For example, over 2,600 pounds of gently-used computer equipment was collected for PCs to People; to be refurbished and then provided to families in need.

Change the Cycle

In 2021, our SHEro event focused on Period Poverty, the lack of affordable feminine hygiene products for women and teens. Change the Cycle is a team of women who will work to find affordable feminine hygiene supplies for the women who need it most.

Learn About Change the Cycle

Women’s Fund Grant Program

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.

Review the 2021 Women’s Fund Application