Women’s Fund Awards 10 Grants
The Women’s Fund, an Affiliate Fund of the Community Foundation, announced that it awarded $20,800 in grants during a virtual Philanthropy Panel featuring philanthropic leaders released on Monday, November 2. Ten grants were awarded that give support for women and children in Lorain County, especially in these unprecedented times.
“By supporting these organizations, the Women’s Funds ensures women and children in Lorain County have pathways to grow and reach their full potential,” said Brenda Norton, President of the Women’s Fund. “Through our grant program, we are actively working to change inequities in funding and ensuring those pathways are accessible and remain open now and forever.”
Women’s Fund Grant Recipients for 2020:
| Organization | Project or Program |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County | Virtual Leadership Mentoring Series |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County | ClubSmart Learning Centers |
| Camp !magine | Vocational Training |
| Camp IDEAS | Summer Camp 2021 |
| Cleveland Play House | CARE Residency for Lorain City Schools |
| Lorain County Free Clinic | Women’s Health |
| Lorain County Safe Harbor Genesis House | General Operating |
| Neighborhood Alliance | Child Enrichment Services Copay Assistance |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Pre-teen Hygiene Kits |
| Youth Challenge | Adapted Programs for Children with Disabilities |
The Philanthropy Panel discussed the “ripple effect” nonprofit organizations have on our community. The panel showcased powerful female leadership from our nonprofit sector including Cynthia Andrews, CEO of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, Cecelia Render, CEO of Nordson Corporation Foundation, and Deborah Thomas, CEO of Philanthropy Ohio, as they shared their successes, motivations, and experiences during this unprecedented time. The discussion was led by Brittany Lovett, Communications Officer for the Community Foundation.
The Women’s Fund was established as a permanent endowment to expand chances and choices for Lorain County women and children through financial and funding equity for projects that may not receive monies from traditional sources of funding. It supports social, educational, and artistic projects by, for, and delivered to women and children to encourage the full participation of women and children in the community. Since its inception in 1991, the Women’s Fund has invested over $220K in community grants for women and children in Lorain County.