VIVIAN WINSTON SCHOLARSHIP IS OPEN
A scholarship fund was established in 2006 to honor WHWF Co-Founder, Vivian Winston. Vivian was a lifelong champion for continuing education - taking courses into her 70's. She always believed higher education and affordable childcare were important to women's success.
With her legacy in mind, the Vivian Winston Scholarship helps to ease the burden for women juggling motherhood while being a student. Funds are awarded to assist mothers attending local institutions of higher education with tuition and childcare.
The scholarship application for 2022-23 is open now through March
16th! Scholars are selected on the basis of academic merit and exemplary character with preference given to students demonstrating financial need. The value of the award is $1,500 to $4,000.
GRANTEE UPDATES
Your donation helped to fund 16 grants this year to nonprofits who are providing important programs for women and children in our community. Here are updates from some of our grantees. Enjoy!
In 2021, Family Promise of Spokane served nearly 3,000 individuals through their shelter and rental assistance programs. They address the issue of family homelessness holistically, providing prevention services, shelter and case management, and stabilization programs. LEARN MORE
Last month we spoke with Maisa Abudayha, the Chef Program Director at Feast World Kitchen. The restaurant features a rotating group of Spokane’s immigrant and former refugee chef-entrepreneurs who share flavor and culture from around the world. WATCH
Do you have a New Year's resolution to get more involved in your community? Catholic Charities has a great opportunity for you! They are in need of volunteers to help shovel driveways for senior citizens throughout our community. Email Cyndie at cyndie.lapke@cceasternwa.org for more information.
We were joined by Women & Children's Free Restaurant (WCFR) Executive Director, Lisa Diffley, as part of our educational panel on food insecurity in our community. Lisa discussed their challenges during the pandemic, trends WCFR has noticed, and how you can get involved with their work. WATCH
Join YWCA Spokane for an important free, virtual Domestic Violence 101 training. Learn more about intimate partner domestic violence, how to help a friend, and about YWCA Spokane’s free and confidential services. Click here to view the upcoming trainings.
Want to be voice for youth in foster care? Treehouse for Kids is offering briefing events to share their legislative agenda next week, and members of the public are invited to join. This is an opportunity to learn more about the issues impacting youth and young adults in foster care. LEARN MORE
VOLUNTEERING: Last month we volunteered as elves for the Vanessa Behan Santa Express Shop. We had a fun time helping kiddos choose gifts for their friends and family!
EDUCATION: In 2021, we hosted 13 education sessions that featured local nonprofits and partners. With these sessions, we hope to bring awareness to the issues in our community, discuss the work being done to alleviate these issues, and share how the community can come together to support the work. We kick off another year of insightful sessions next week... In the meantime, you can catch up on all of the previous sessions on our website. WATCH
INSTAGRANT: Our most recent InstaGrant recipient is Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Across the U.S., too many kids go without a bed—or even a pillow—to sleep on. These children end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors, which has adverse effects on their physical and mental health. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a group of volunteers dedicated to finding those children and delivering hand-built bunk beds free of charge. LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLLECTIVE GIVING
In November of 2020 Women Helping Women Fund launched a Collective Giving Community that helps members to magnify their impact and take an active role in local philanthropy. Members support the grants pool financially, learn about the issues, see the work in action, and help make funding decisions.
Join us for a virtual meet and greet on January 26 at 12PM and learn more about the collective giving model that’s transforming communities all over the country!
ALLOCATIONS
The finance review for our 20 grant finalists is underway! Thank you to the volunteer CPAs who are taking the time to evaluate financials, risk and program budgets for each agency.
Our grant allocations process ensures that there are real results achieved by programs receiving funds. Board and volunteers are involved in research and site visits to the programs. We work to ensure that the money we’re granting is going to the best use in our community.
Five scholarships were awarded to young mothers juggling the cost of tuition and childcare last year. This was a milestone year with $15,000 awarded! Your support helps make these scholarship possible. Thank you!
Thank you to these major corporate partners who help to extend the reach and expand the impact of our mission! View all corporate partners here.
