Grants available to improve the lives of WNC women
WNC Nonprofits and Public Agencies Invited to apply for Women for Women Grants by Jan. 18th

Western North Carolina nonprofits and public agencies seeking financial support for efforts to create positive change for less fortunate women are invited to apply for Women for Women grants from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

The deadline to apply for grants of $35,000 to $100,000 is Jan. 18, 2008. To be eligible for consideration, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization or public agency must meet specific guidelines and serve one or more of the 18 counties in Western North Carolina. Applicants are encouraged to call the Foundation before applying.

Women for Women is a special initiative of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina that encourages women's philanthropy. Currently, more than 300 Western North Carolina women are members of the giving circle. To become a member, each person contributes $1,100 per year for three years. That money is pooled, allowing the group to fund work that meets some of the most pressing needs facing women throughout the region. This year's grant focus is on helping meet basic needs for women in crisis.

Last year, Women for Women awarded five grants totaling $270,000. Those grants supported work to, for example, help teen mothers graduate from high school, assist homeless women find permanent housing and provide child care workers with financial counseling. Individuals are not eligible to receive grants.

Since 1978, Western North Carolinians have relied on The Community Foundation to help them turn their charitable passions into meaningful and effective philanthropy. Over the years, CFWNC has awarded more than $80 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and public institutions across the 18-county mountain region and beyond.

For more information about Women for Women or to find details on how to apply for a grant, visit www. cfwnc.org or call (828) 254-4960.