Summer 2020

The official newsletter of the Women’s Fund of the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation

Message from our Director

2020 may be remembered for many things, but for me, it will also be the year in which "pivot" was the most used word in our vocabulary. We have experienced so much in these past 6 months, all of it surrounded by such uncertainty. In spring of this year, along with postponing the Power of the Purse, we were pushed to redirect the way we completed the 2020 Girls Granting Initiative class. The perspectives the girls granting voices bring are always so inspiring; the idea of putting their efforts on hold was troubling. It was decided between our board of directors and the 2020 class we would pivot. We went forward by conducting the grant interview process and the girls investment decision virtually. Thankfully, technology for these 16-18 year-old girls is something they are extremely fluid in. As you read on in this e-news you will learn more about the 2020 outcome goals and their final investment decision. The conversations the girls focused on most this year were: mental health and a strong relationship(s) and how important both of these things are in a girl’s life especially in the middle to high school years. Amazing discussions were had but it pains me to think as we walk through this pandemic what will the shadow pandemic be for our youth, particularly when this is already an area of concern. How will the ripple effects of the increased anxiety, stress, separation from relationships impact them?   On behalf of our Board of Directors we thank you for all of your support through the years and now more than ever. The Women’s Fund is financially strong and poised to continue our work that effects women and families in our community.

Karlene Grabner Executive Director Women's Fund Karlene@OshkoshAreaCF.org 920.426.3993 "No matter your storm, it never rains forever. It can't and it won't." -Ginger Zee

Power of the Purse Update The Women’s Fund missed seeing you all at the Power of Purse in April. We were hoping we’d all be back together in September, but we feel it is still unsafe to do so. We regret we need to cancel our previously rescheduled September date and are looking at Spring 2021 to host the Power of the Purse, still featuring Ginger Zee. We will inform you of the new date as soon as we can. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these uncertain times and please know we are working hard to bring you a safe and exciting event as soon as we can.

Girls Granting Initiative The mission of the Girls Granting Initiative through the Women’s Fund is to provide high school age girls with the opportunity to experience philanthropy though the grant-making process and ultimately, to empower them to become life-long philanthropists. While at the same time getting their first hand perspective and voices out into the world. Through this grant-making work with the JJ Keller Foundation, girls in our community have awarded over $75,000 over the past ten years. These funds have gone directly into nonprofit organizations in our area. The programs and campaigns which have been directly supported by the GGI range from healthy relationships to human trafficking, with the most recent grant going towards community outreach for mental health education and mentorship programs with teen girls and young women.  With programs like this, our next generation is able to experience first-hand how it feels to make an impact for others. What a gift to them, to our community now, and to our future society. Lessons in philanthropy at such a young and impressionable age, can prove influential and long lasting. One that we hope empowers them to make philanthropy a life-long act. Read more.

Grant Highlight - Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Center

This grant highlight features a recent grant made to the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Center on behalf of the GEMS giving circle through the Women's Fund.

Create Your Legacy For many donors, the idea of leaving a legacy is very appealing. It is a way to preserve your memory and to continue making a difference even after you are gone. A bequest is often the simplest way for donors to make a significant, lasting gift. The Women’s Fund has been fortunate, thanks to our donors, to have been financially stable during this uncertain time. The support from immediate gifts is wonderful to ensure vital programs continue, but we hope people remember that leaving an organization in your will ensures it can serve its mission for years to come. By naming the Women’s Fund in your will or estate plan, you can create a named fund that will forever support our mission. Bequests are some of the most important gifts the Women’s Fund receives because it provides security to carry on our mission without financial burden. If you would like to learn more about leaving a legacy, please click here.

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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 STAY CONNECTED ‌ ‌ ‌