Community Foundation receives $100,000 challenge grant for women

Wooster, Ohio:  The Wayne County Community Foundation has received a $100,000 challenge grant from The J.M. Smucker Company to establish the Women’s Fund. The newly created Women’s Fund will positively impact the lives of women and children in Wayne County by directing resources to organizations that support the education of women and empower change and self-sufficiency.

Despite dramatic advancements by women in recent decades, women are still far more likely than men to be homeless, live in poverty, be unemployed or under-employed, face violence, or suffer from inadequate housing and healthcare. More women than men are single parents, responsible for the care and protection of their children. Aware that just seven percent of all philanthropic dollars raised in the nation are earmarked for programs for women and girls, the Wayne County Community Foundation created the Fund to focus on projects and programs that create opportunities for educational advancement, economic empowerment, and enhancement of the quality of life for women and children throughout the County.

“We want to give more women opportunities to succeed,” said Sara Patton, executive director of the Wayne County Community Foundation. “Our goal is to involve women in programs that will positively impact the strength of our communities now and in the future.”

With the commitment from The J.M. Smucker Company of $100,000, the Foundation will need to raise an additional $200,000 before June 30, 2016 to meet the challenge. Once the challenge is met, the permanently endowed fund will provide more than $10,000 each year to support women in Wayne County, and grants will continue to increase as the endowment continues to grow. As a permanent endowment, The Women’s Fund will be able to meet community needs far into the future.

“The Smucker Company is committed to strengthening families with a primary emphasis on education because we believe a strong educational foundation is critical to creating better communities for today and tomorrow,” said Maribeth Burns, vice president, corporate communications. “So we are especially proud to support and be a part of the Wayne County Foundation’s efforts to foster positive change for women and children in the community.”

The Women’s Fund, overseen by an Advisory Committee, will be operated by women, for women. Members of the committee will invite and review grant proposals, work with service agencies, and recommend grants to the Community Foundation each year.

Individuals and businesses can now donate to The Women’s Fund through the Wayne County Community Foundation. Celebrating its 35^th anniversary, the Wayne County Community Foundation works to strengthen the community we all share. It is a nonprofit charitable community organization. Since inception, WCCF has awarded over $53 million in grants and scholarships back into the community. For more information about the Foundation call 330.262.3877 or visit www.waynecountycommunityfoundation.org.