When former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara visited Hilton Head, S.C., nearly 20 years ago, she was inspired by a group she came across. "I saw a photo and article about a women's giving circle there and thought it would work here, she recalled. "It seemed like a good fit for us in the Springfield area so I discussed it with the Community Foundation (for the Land of Lincoln)." Thus, the Women's Fund was born in 2006.
Hasara served as the founding steering committee chair for Women for Women. The initial goal was to recruit 100 women who would donate $1,000 a year for three years to become founding members. This fund would support issues women and children face in Sangamon and surrounding counties. The initiative aims to engage women of all generations, create informed philanthropists and empower women to take action.
"The most challenging part of being involved has been continuing to increase our numbers and to follow the projects we fund," said Hasara. "Fortunately, it has not been difficult because of the work of members and staff. The rewards of seeing the outcomes of our projects are amazing."
Kate Dunne, who served on the steering committee for several years, is the current chair. "I became involved because I wanted to support organizations in Sangamon County that serve women and children," said Dunne. "I love the idea of collaborative philanthropy and being a part of much larger annual gifts than I am individually able to contribute. I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of a women-driven fund.
Dunne said she admires and appreciates the many women who were members or founding members of the group, including Ginny Conlee, Carolyn Blackwell, Kathy Germeraad and Sarah Beuning. "They have all done so much for Springfield," she said.
Currently the fund sits at a little over $1 million, said Dunne. Each year's contributions build the endowment to ensure perpetuity of the fund, in addition to funding that year's recipients. More than $500,000 has been awarded to local organizations.
Approximately 20 organizations apply for funding each year, and the criteria are as follows:
• 501(c)(3) charitable organization; or
a faith-based organization (proposals must benefit all, regardless of religion, and be for a service provided which is not religious in nature); or
• a public or private school (proposals must be for projects that exceed the school's budget funding); or
• some government entities or municipalities may be eligible.
Funds must be used for programs and services primarily affecting positive mental health outcomes for women and children who reside in Sangamon, Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Morgan and Montgomery counties.
This year's recipients will be announced in mid-May at the members-only event. Recipients over the past few years include Compass for Kids, The James Project, Helping Hands, Wooden It Be Lovely, Jacksonville Area Center for Independent Living, Enos Park Neighborhood Improvement Association and many more.
Dunne recounted a memorable moment at the annual luncheon last October when members heard from 2023 grant recipients Helping Hands of Springfield and The James Project.
"A Women for Women member who works at the YMCA was alarmed to hear that children in DCFS custody in Sangamon County were having to shower at truck stops and other less-desirable facilities because of a lack of resources," said Dunne. "She was able to facilitate a partnership with the YMCA and The James Project to arrange for children to be able to shower at the YMCA. Currently the YMCA is also sponsoring a diaper drive for babies in foster care in Sangamon County. I love when people are connected in the community in ways like this that allows for creativity, cooperation and 'collaboraction.'"
The more women who join, the more can be done. "I'd encourage women who want to impact the lives of women and children in our community in a positive manner and be an active participant in grant-giving that is larger than their own financial resources to consider joining," Dunne said. "I feel very privileged to be a member of a group of women who are successful, compassionate, thoughtful, intelligent and driven to improve the lives of others in Sangamon County."
"Our community should be grateful for the efforts of our members to fill in gaps of funding for local projects that need help," added Hasara. "We, of course, welcome new members who can contact any current member or call the Community Foundation." For more information visit https://cfll.org/Initiatives-Projects/Women-for-Women.
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at [email protected].
