The Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation Awards $165,000 in Grants

(KNSI) — The Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has distributed $165,000 in grants to 15 area organizations.

“Through their programming, each of these organizations supports the well-being, resiliency, abilities and self-determination of women and girls in our community. We are thankful for their dedication to making the St. Cloud region a place in which all can thrive.” says Sonja Gidlow, Chair of the Women’s Fund Grants Committee.

Anna Marie’s Alliance: $15,000 to support its shelter.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MN: $13,000 for the Girls Forward program.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud: $7,000 for the Financial Empowerment for Senior Women program.
City of St. Cloud – RSVP: $8,000 for the Intercultural Volunteer Experiences program.
ConnectAbility of MN: $11,000 to support programming for women and girls with disabilities.
Ellison Center: $13,000 for the Empowering Somali Women: Training and Mentorship to Support Early Childhood Mental Health program.
Hooyo Hour Organization: $10,000 for Bilow Cusub: Empowering New Beginnings for Elderly East African Women.
Lutheran Social Service of MN: $15,000 for its childcare program supporting vulnerable women and caregivers.
QUEERSPACE collective: $13,000 for its youth program.
Terebinth Refuge: $15,000 for its mental health programming.
Veteran Resource & Enrichment Center: $15,000 for the Empowering Her: Strengthening Resilience program.
What Would Bri Do (dba Bri’s Lodge): $15,000 for grief support programming for women.

The Julianne Williams Fund, created to honor Julianne Marie Williams by promoting self-esteem, safety, confidence, and empowerment of girls and young women through outdoor activities, awarded $15,000 in grants:

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MN: $5,250 for its SMART Girls program.
Get Outdoors MN: $4,500 for the Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: Fostering Self-Awareness in Young Women Alongside Their Caregivers program.
Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines: $5,250 for summer camp programming.

Since 2002, the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has been dedicated to empowering women and girls. With nearly $1.6 million granted to local programs, the fund focuses on three key areas: girls aged 10-18, women facing adversity, and elder women.

A press release from CMCF says the recent awards reflect its ongoing commitment to fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.

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