2011Top WF News 2011: Part 2 of 2
Women's Fund had a great year. What do you think were the best moments? What were your favorite moments? Read for more!
Top WF News 2011: Part 1 of 2
Women's Fund had a great year. What do you think were the best moments? Read for more!
Partner Spotlight: WellPoint
WellPoint has supported Women's Fund since 2011, contributing $5,000.
Women's Fund Releases Thank You Video
Women's Fund just released its first-ever "thank you" video. Find out which volunteers star in the video and what they have to say about the difference Women's Fund is making in Central Indiana.
Simple Steps to Teaching Your Children about Giving
In the midst of the holiday season, now is the time to think about how you can teach your children about giving. Read more for some simple steps.
A Season of Giving Back
In this season of giving, it's easy to look around and find ways to get involved in helping our community. I was excited to learn about two local youth who are giving back year-round, not just in the holiday season.
Partner Spotlight: Ferguson
Women's Fund is fortunate to have the support of many corporate Partners, including Ferguson Enterprises. Partners like Ferguson help Women's Fund keep our day-to-day operations moving - including making grants, engaging as a community leader, and teaching philanthropy. Learn more about this partnership.
Women are Truly Awesome
This is one of my favorite blogs. It's a great reminder that we're all awesome. And if for some reason we've lost that awesomeness, let's get it back! I'm up for being awesome. Are you?
Power of Girls inspires teenage girls and their mentors
Power of Girls is a day-long session that educates and inspires teenage girls, their mothers and mentors, and encourages children and families healing from domestic violence.
Celebrate National Philanthropy Day!
By Angela E. White, CFRE. Honoring donors and the changes they support in our communities.
Finding a cure for breast cancer....my gift to science
No one I love has ever been affected by breast cancer. When considering how prevalent breast cancer has become this very likely puts me in the minority and makes me very lucky.
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Announces Grants of $365,535 to Benefit 16 Organizations in Central Indiana
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana announced today it will award $365,535 in its 13th year of awarding grants to serve some of the most pivotal groups in central Indiana serving women and girls.
60 Miles in 3 Days for Breast Cancer
In the course of 60 miles, in three days, I was inspired, empowered and motivated by survivors and other walkers who all shared a common interest in finding a cure for breast cancer. Here's a little bit about my journey.
Body Image Influenced by Families
Jen Van Dame, AmeriCorps VISTA Public Affairs Specialist, Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, shares how parents can communicate with girls about the impact of media on their body image.
It’s the 21st century – how much longer will this take?
Deborah Hearn Smith, CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, shares her perspective on how objectification of women and girls has–and has not–changed during her lifetime and encourages us to take action.
Partner Spotlight: OneAmerica Foundation
This month, we are spotlighting OneAmerica Foundation. As a corporate Partner, OneAmerica has supported Women's Fund since 1997, contributing over $10,000.
Domestic Violence Update and Continued Call to Action
More than 6,000 adults and children were served in a year in Indiana domestic violence emergency shelters. It’s a stat like that that makes me want to take action.
Stock Market Jitters
Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, discusses tips and trends for female investors in today's stock market. Elaine is a Women's Fund Advisory Board Member and Vice-Chair Elect.
Film About Domestic Violence Inspires Audiences
The film, Crime After Crime, is an incredibly moving story about an incarcerated survivor of domestic violence. The director hopes to spark a national conversation about women who are victims of abuse and wrongful imprisonment. The must-see film is screening at Heartland Film Festival this week.
Three Reasons You Will Not Want to Miss PBS's Women, War & Peace Series
Women, War & Peace, a 5-part PBS series, starts October 11th. Read why you will not want to miss out on watching it!
Southeast: More than a Community Center
Southeast Community Services is a community center providing supports for women and individuals in all places of their lives. I walked away from a site visit amazed.
Emotions After a Closet Makeover
A closet makeover from The Container Store makes me jealous, but also inspires and motivates me - but not in ways you may think. Read on.
Getting organized with elfa
Lynne Bir, Community Volunteer and OPTIONS Alumna, won a brand new elfa closet from The Container Store! Read about her new closet and what the experience means for her.
Partner Spotlight: Saks Fifth Avenue
This month, we are spotlighting Saks Fifth Avenue. As a corporate Partner, Saks has supported Women's Fund since 2010, contributing over $20,500.
More than 150 donate tissue for "Super Cure"
Published in The Indianapolis Star online September 24, 2011. More than 150 women donate breast tissue as part of "Indy's Super Cure", a charitable initiative of the National Football League's 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl.
Transformative Experience at Indiana Women's Prison
Erin Duffy, OPTIONS Class 11 member, shares how her visit to the Indiana Women's Prison was transformative and surprised her in ways she didn't expect.
A Visit to the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Sue Russell, OPTIONS Alumna, Class 10, talks about a recent visit by OPTIONS Alumnae to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Read her take-aways from the Material World exhibit - including an opportunity for those interested in becoming more engaged in the world of fashion.
GO Participants Learn the Recipe for Friendship
Read a Q&A from Jennifer Pletcher, as she shares how GO participants learned the "recipe" for friendship. Read Jennifer's suggestions on how you can introduce lessons of friendship at home.
7 Billion and Climbing
The world is about to reach a population of 7 billion people, which could have big implications for us - particularly for women.
Donation Brings Back Memories Before Making an Impact
Donating business suits to Dress for Success makes an impact, while bringing back some fond memories. I discovered 40+ suits while cleaning out my closet, so that's a lot of memories - and what I hope is a big impact.
Is it "just" a t-shirt?
A recent t-shirt for girls was pulled from a major department store chain after the public reacted. What does this say about our culture, why does it matter, and what can we do to affect change?
Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson Co. Letter to the Editor
Women's Fund applauds Girls Inc. of Franklin/Johnson County for achieving a 100% rating in the national Girls Inc. Quality Assurance Review Process.
One for the Bucket List (sort of)
Wendy McNamar, Women's Fund Special Projects Coordinator, shares her experience - and the excitement - of participating in the Go Girl Triathlon with a team from Women's Fund.
Women's Equality Day is Tomorrow
Equality Day is a simple reminder to both men and women not to take rights and opportunities for granted.
Let’s Go Reggio! A Visit to the Day Nursery Ruth A. Lilly Center
Jenny Burch, OPTIONS Class 11 Member, shares her perspective on a visit to Day Nursery's Ruth A Lilly Center.
10 Insights into Women's Philanthropy
Angela E. White, CFRE, shares helpful tips to engage women as philanthropists and in support of your nonprofit.
Corporate Partner: Ice Miller LLP
This month, we are spotlighting Ice Miller LLP. As a corporate Partner, Ice Miller has supported Women's Fund since 2006, contributing $36,500.
Census Guides Leadership in our Community
Census information encourages us to think differently about how we serve women and their families in our community.
The Container Store is Coming to Indy
The Container Store is coming to Indianapolis. Find out how Women's Fund will benefit from their Grand Opening Weekend. Mark your calendar now to shop October 8 & 9!
Lack of Space in Shelters Creates Crisis for Women
Indianapolis Star: Lack of space in shelters creates crisis for women. Letter from Ann Murtlow and Jennifer Pope Baker about recent domestic violence crisis.
Giving Girls the Best
Girls Inc. of Franklin/ Johnson County has secured the highest Quality Assurance rating from Girls Inc. nationally - demonstrating how girls in Johnson County are getting the best!
Victims of Abuse are in Danger if We Don’t Help
Victims of domestic violence are in desperate need of help. A shortage of shelter space may cause women and children to be placed in a dangerous situation. There are simple things we can do to help make a difference - and possibly save a life.
Scary Refrain: We Can't Help You Now
Indianapolis Star: Scary refrain: we can't help you right now - demand forces some women's shelters to start waiting lists; Women's Fund provides $10,000 to help.
Domestic Violence Surge Causes Shortage of Shelter Space
Indianapolis Star: rise in domestic violence causes shortage of emergency shelter space.
Corporate Partner: Duke Energy Foundation
Women's Fund will feature a Corporate Partner monthly. In July, we are pleased to highlight Duke Energy Foundation.
Girls Inc. Summer Camp
Alison Schumacher talks about Girls Inc. Summer Camp and why she wishes she could be a camper. Alison was among 20 WF Advisory Board, OPTIONS & Alumnae who went on a site visit to Girls, Inc. Summer Camp on July 21.
Young Moms Get a Home of Their Own
Indianapolis Star: Young moms get a home of their own at Project Home Indy.
Super Bowl Committee to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness
Inside Indiana Business: The 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee is teaming up with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center for a major initiative. "Indy's Super Cure" aims to increase diversity of breast tissue donations and fundraising for advance breast cancer research.
Science and Engineering Camp for Girls
It's exciting to hear about programs that inspire young girls to follow their dreams and pursue academic success. From science & engineering camps to STEM, Indiana is working to provide opportunties for young girls interested in science, technology, engineering and math.
OPTIONS Member Opens New Restaurant
OPTIONS member, Natalie Wolfe, treated Women's Fund to a VIP soft opening. The night was filled with fun, friendship and great food. It also was a great reminder that Women's Fund is about women supporting women - and watching women succeed.
Finding Friends at 40
I always enjoy meeting new people through Women's Fund. Recently though, I've wondered if it's possible to find and forge new friendships at 40. I'd love your thoughts on the topic. Is it possible?
Corporate Partner: Allison Transmission
Women's Fund is featuring a Corporate Partner each month. This month we are happy to highlight Allison Transmission and thank them for their support.
Free Medical Care for Women
One local organization is helping women in its community get quality medical care - even if they can't afford it.
Title IX Protection Doesn't Just Apply to Sports
Title IX is a U.S law best known in the world of high school and college athletics. It was originally instituted to ensure gender equity in education. When I played sports in high school it meant that girls had equal rights to education and athletic opportunities as the boys. In fact, my freshman year, there was a girl on our varsity football team – and she actually played! What I think is often overlooked is that Title IX is not just about sports.
Corporate Partner: M&I Bank
Women's Fund will feature a Corporate Partner monthly. In May, we are highlighting M&I Bank, a founding sponsor of this blog.
Helping Kids Broaden their Perspective
Jennifer H. Pletcher, Educational Consultant for Women's Fund, shares her favorite books that help kids envision a way they can give back to their community. Great summer reading!
Giving Circles Key Tool for Women and Millennials
Angela E. White, CFRE, shares information about Giving Circles and why the concept of a giving circle is growing among women and Millennials.
Women and Money (Part 2)
In this final post of a two-part series, Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, discusses women and money, focusing on financial planning issues. Elaine is a Women's Fund Advisory Board Member and Vice-Chair Elect.
Women and Money (Part 1)
In this two-part series, Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, discusses women and money - what women need to know, why and how to plan. Elaine is a Women's Fund Advisory Board Member and Vice-Chair Elect.
Day Nursery Q & A with Marsh Hearn Lindsey
As we anxiously await the arrival of Development Officer, Abigail Coleman's baby we felt this would be a perfect time to repost this entry about Day Nursery and the invaluable services they provide to parents and children in our community.
Hawthorne Community Center: Westside Hub
Alison Schumacher, OPTIONS Alumnae member, shares her perspective on a recent site visit to Hawthorne Community Center, serving Indianapolis' westside residents.
Q&A with Charlie Morgan
Get to know Charlie Morgan, Women's Fund Advisory Board member, community volunteer, father, and communications guru.
Take Action in Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Learn about who is impacted by sexual assault and how you can help.
OPTIONS Perspective: Project Home Indy
OPTIONS Class 11 visited Project Home Indy on Tuesday, April 12. Class member Maggie Bowden shares her perspective on the visit.
Shaping the Next Generation
We often talk about the next generation—the problems and the opportunities. So much of our society's focus is on nurturing youth, and yet, in some ways, it is about destructing them. Mixed messages abound for young girls and teenagers.
Equal Pay Day highlights persistent wage disparity
Indiana Business Journal: April 12th is Equal Pay Day, the day in 2011 when women's pay caught up to what men made the previous year.
Inequality on Equal Pay Day
Today is Equal Pay Day, a national observation of the day when women "catch up" to men's earnings the previous year, on average. Locally, women make even less than the average.
Women Make it Happen!
Did you know women make up only 17% of senior leadership nationwide, yet in order to be a "critical mass"—to cause a fundamental change in the boardroom and to impact governance, women must make up least 30% of leadership?
To Catch a Dollar
Muhammad Yunus is a man who had a vision of lifting people out of poverty through their own hard work and microloans. "To Catch a Dollar" shares the story of just a few women who have benefited from microloans and support from Grameen America.
Round is a Shape
Celebrate National Nutrition Month. How are you living healthfully through balanced nutrition?
S.O.S. for Dress for Success
Dress for Success Indianapolis hosts its annual S.O.S. (Send One Suit) campaign next week, April 4-8. Your donation of a new or gently used suits and blouses can help empower a woman and give her the self-confidence to achieve success.
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Announces More than $100,000 in Corporate Support to Benefit Women and Girls in Central Indiana
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, considered the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls, announces their most recent list of corporate partners that have made a significant commitment to women and girls in central Indiana – a commitment totaling nearly $120,000 in 2011.
OPTIONS Perspective: The Julian Center - Part 2 of 2
Tuesday, March 15, OPTIONS Class 11 visited The Julian Center. This is part two of a a two-part series, March 22 and 24. Three class members—Emi Osterhaus, Brooke Smith, and Carla Feagans—share their perspective on the visit.
OPTIONS Perspective: The Julian Center - Part 1 of 2
Tuesday, March 15, OPTIONS Class 11 visited The Julian Center. This is part one of a a two-part series, March 22 and 24. Three class members—Emi Osterhaus, Brooke Smith, and Carla Feagans—share their perspective on the visit.
If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go farther, go together.
Angela E. White, CFRE, shares lessons learned and take-aways from the Center on Philanthropy's Symposium, "Women World Wide - Leading Through Philanthropy."
Donor Spotlight: Cheryl Strain
Get to know Cheryl Strain: community volunteer, gardener, grandmother, and Women's Fund donor.
Family Giving: Enabling Your Family to Make Meaningful Donations
Inside Indiana Business Perspectives Article: In recent decades, nonprofits are being established at record pace in the U.S. While this is benefitting our community and nation, it can make deciding where – and how to invest philanthropically daunting.
Women and Girls in Central Indiana: Still on Shaky Ground
Still on Shaky Ground 2011 reveals, although progress has been made in areas of caregiving, domestic violence, and insufficient income, there is much progress yet to be made.
Today: International Women's Day
Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day (IWD), a day where internationally, we celebrate women. Learn about this year's theme and the central Indiana connection.
Women’s Fund Study Shows Disparities, Challenges and Opportunities for Central Indiana Women and Girls
Women’s Fund released its latest research on critical issues facing women and girls in central Indiana. Women’s Fund first published On Shaky Ground: Where Women and Girls Stand in Central Indiana in 1996, then published Still on Shaky Ground updates in 2003 and 2006. The 2011 update focuses on Women’s Fund’s three focus areas: Caregiving, Domestic Violence, and Insufficient Income.
Strengthening Families through Indiana Women's Prison
Children whose parents have been incarcerated are seven times more likely to be re-incarcerated themselves. Women's Fund has provided support to programs focused on strengthening family ties at the Indiana Women's Prison since 1999.
Babies Behind Bars on TLC
Babies Behind Bars is a two-part series that airs on TLC this week. The program highlights the Wee Ones Program and the work the Indiana Women's Prison is doing to help inmates bond with their babies. Interesting program; really interesting show to watch.
Charitable Contributions from IRAs
Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, shares how you can make a charitable contribution to Women's Fund from your IRA - and the rules you need to know for making this type of contribution.
Q&A with Julie Eskenazi
Get to know Julie Eskenazi, Women's Fund Advisory Board member, member of OPTIONS Class 7, and community volunteer.
Donor Spotlight: Indianapolis Power & Light Company
In addition to powering the city, IPL has been a long-time supporter of Women's Fund. Since 2001, IPL has committed $160,000 to provide options and opportunities for central Indiana women and girls. This remarkable support has played a large part in Women's Fund's growth and is a testament to IPL's commitment to the community.
Day Nursery Talks "W" - Winter Weather and Impact on Caregiving
Today’s blog post is brought to you by the letter “W” and Day Nursery Association of Indianapolis, Indiana’s oldest child care provider. We visited with Day Nursery Chief Operating Officer Marsha Hearn Lindsey to talk about two words that begin with the letter “W”—winter and weather and how they affect the operation of the 112-year-old agency’s seven early childhood education centers.
The Girl Effect
Invest in a girl. Your investment will pay off. The case has been made increasingly clear that not only locally, but internationally, investment in the future of a girl has profound ripple effects on a community and ultimately the world.
Go Red for Women - We Are!
Women's Fund of Central Indiana encourages women to have all-around health. This month the spotlight is on raising awareness of heart disease – the number one killer of women.
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Announces 2011 OPTIONS Class
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana announces its OPTIONS Class Eleven Class for 2011. OPTIONS is one of two philanthropy education programs offered by Women’s Fund.
Prevail Provides Jarring Insight into World of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Learn about Women's Fund's recent visit to Prevail, Inc., which serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Hamilton and surrounding counties.
Thanks... A Word We Can't Overuse
In National Thank You month, we are reminded of the things we are thankful for and want to say a special thanks to you for your support!
Q&A with Sue Russell
Get to know Sue Russell, Ex-Officio member of the Women's Fund Advisory Board, member of OPTIONS Class 10, and founder and CEO of Mayfair Lane.
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana Announces New Advisory Board Members
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana, announces new advisory board members for 2011.
Welcome OPTIONS Class 11
By: Stacy Kult, OPTIONS Class 8. Highlighting the welcome event for OPTIONS Class 11.
OPTIONS Kicks Off a New Year
The newest group of OPTIONS members, Class 11 marks the first day of their new class year. Read to be introduced to the dynamic members of this year's class.
Area Women Gain Philanthropic Education Through Women’s Fund OPTIONS Program
Ten years. Two hundred fifty area women. Donations totaling $450,000 to help women and girls in central Indiana. Now those are some impressive stats. It’s all about women owning their own businesses, learning how they can give back to their communities and then doing it!
GO Participants Dive Into the World of Microfinance
Jennifer Pletcher, GO Educational Consultant, shares highlights and lessons learned at this month's GO Educational Sessions, including a hands-on opportunity for participants to dive into small business loans.
Introducing New Advisory Board Members
Introduction of and welcome to new Women's Fund Advisory Board members.
New Year’s Resolutions for Women’s Fund?
Do nonprofits make resolutions? Does Women's Fund? One writer identifies four New Year's Resolutions all nonprofits should make in 2011. Find out what they are and how Women's Fund may relate to them.
Future Promises Helps Pregnant and Parenting Teens Build Promising Futures
By: Heather Hafer, Public Relations Coordinator, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Future Promises is a school/community-based program that offers education and support to pregnant and parenting teens to help them build their own promising future.
- Jun 18 - Girls Can Be CEOs, Astronauts and Moms
- Jun 13 - A Study in Opposites
- Jun 10 - Visiting a Center Where Neighbors Help Neighbors
- Jun 06 - A Summer Must: Meet Piano #12 (and its artist Angie Brooks)
- Jun 04 - Changing the Conversation about Rape – What parents need to do to protect their children from being raped or becoming a rapist
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