About Us

What is Women's Fund of Vanderburgh County?
The Women's Fund of Vanderburgh County was established by a core group of local women whose aim was to improve the quality of life for women and children in Vanderburgh County by collectively funding significant grants to charitable initiatives with the same purpose. To support the Women's Fund mission, a permanent endowment fund and a nonpermanent fund have been established with the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. The permanent fund is building a legacy that will impact the lives of women and children in Vanderburgh County forever! In the meantime, the nonpermanent fund provides the means to award significant grants to make a difference in the community NOW!

How can I participate?
The Women's Fund is made up of members who contribute during our fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). While gifts of any amount are welcome at any time, donors who contribute $1,000 (or more) by June 30 are considered "full members" and will have the opportunity to cast an individual vote for the final grant recipient. Donors who join with other donors to pool their resources may participate in a "shared membership," and together the group will have one vote for the final grant recipient.

What happens to my contribution?
Contributions are split between the endowment to continue building the legacy for future generations and the nonpermanent fund to be granted at the Women's Fund annual meeting, typically held in November. Requests to designate a contribution completely to the endowment or completely to the nonpermanent fund are honored.

When and how are Women's Fund grants awarded?
The Women's Fund grants committee reviews all requests for funding and then narrows the applicant pool to eight semifinalists, who are asked to submit full project proposals. After research, site visits, and other necessary due diligence, the grants committee narrows the semifinalists to four finalists, who will be invited to present at the annual meeting of the membership. Each Women's Fund member has the right to cast her vote for the recipient of the grant award at the annual meeting or by proxy if she is unable to attend the meeting. The recipient of the grant will be determined by majority vote of the Women's Fund members and announced at the annual meeting. Click here for more information about grantmaking.

What is the Women's Fund Advisory Board?
The advisory board is responsible for organizing and overseeing the solicitation of contributions to the fund, membership activity, the annual meeting, and grantmaking activities. The board serves in an advisory capacity to the board of trustees of the Vanderburgh Community Foundation with regard to all grants awarded from the Women's Fund.

This is a great idea! Sign me up! Who should I contact?
There are several options for making a contribution to become a member. Click here to learn more. Feel free to call anyone on our advisory board or call us at 422.1245.