Summer 2024

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The official newsletter of the Women’s Fund of the

Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Message from our Director

Happy Summer! This year, we proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary—a quarter-century of dedication to empowering women and fostering change.


Our bi-annual Power of the Purse event held this past May was a spectacular success, with over 800 attendees coming together to support our cause. The energy and generosity of our community were truly heartwarming and have set the stage for continued impact.


Looking forward, I am enthusiastic about the future of our organization. With your continued support, we will build on our successes and open new doors for women, girls, and families. Thank you for being a vital part of this journey.


Sincerely,

Karlene Grabner

Executive Director

Women's Fund

Karlene@OshkoshAreaCF.org

920.426.3993

Power of the Purse 2024

At this year's Power of the Purse, we were joined by keynote speaker, Bethany Hamilton. Bethany shared her five key practices that have helped her, and inspired others, to live unstoppable. She calls it her ADAPT Method - see below for details!


"Life is all about learning, adapting, innovating and improving. Life is always changing. If you’re faced with a challenge don’t assume it’s game over…instead, consider that this moment may be presenting you with an opportunity to innovate! Will you persevere? I hope so!!! When you’re living in your unstoppable-mindset, you adjust and find a new way to balance."


A $25,000 Match Grant was announced at the event and, thanks to the generosity of many, we're happy to share that the grant was beyond matched with a total of $28,000! Thank you to everyone who joined us, volunteered, and/or donated. Your support at our Power of the Purse event helps change lives. Together, we are creating a positive impact in our community. We hope to see you in 2026!


Click here to view all photos from the event.

A - Appreciation: Be present and appreciate what's in front of you.


D - Direction: Identify your goals, write them down, and implement steps to

accomplish them.


A - Associate: Identify your community that aligns with your values and invest

time and energy to strengthen those bonds.


P - Perseverance: See obstacles as opportunities. Seek help when needed.


T - Teachable: Learn from mistakes, learn from others.


Women's Fund Grants

The Women's Fund recently awarded over $70,000 in grants to following local organizations:


Apricity - BRIGHT: Building Resilience Intentionally: Growing Healthier Together


Bella Medical Clinic - Bella Parenting Support Services 


Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Central Wisconsin - High School Bigs


Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. - Help is Here Fund 2024


Lakeside Packaging Plus - Women's Empowerment Group


Reach Counseling - Protecting Our Youth and Teens: Comprehensive Prevention and Advocacy Services


Salvation Army - Pathway of Hope


Solutions Recovery - Women's Sober Living Program


Tri-County Community Dental - Robert Glass Focus on the Children Program


Winnebago Area Literacy Council - Life Skills Classes for Women

Bare Essentials Campaign


In partnership with the Oshkosh Herald, we launched a “Bare Essentials” drive in May to collect shampoo, deodorant, period products, and underwear. A total of 31 local organizations and businesses hosted a collection box, and the donations completely surpassed our expectations!


The recipients at Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh and Oshkosh Kids Foundation, Inc. Tiny House Village greatly appreciate the support and generosity of our community.

2024 Annual Report

Check out our 2024 Annual Report featuring grant stories, testimonials, and more!



You are greater than...


the voices that say “you can’t.”


the sum of your struggles.


the obstacles in your path.

DONATE TO THE WOMEN'S FUND
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Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation 

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday 8:00 am - Noon (afternoon by appointment)

920-426-3993 | Women.OshkoshAreaCF.org

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