Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - July 2012

Summer is sliding by, more quickly every day. The 4th of July always seems to represent the height of the summer and for those of us with school age children, the end of July marks the rapid end of summer. July is a big vacation time for many WF friends and supporters which led to quiet weeks with more office time than usual. I've enjoyed the opportunity to focus on our progress, consider our year-end goals and start planning for 2013. While we haven't been busy externally, it has been a whirlwind inside our offices... and, let's face it, who wanted to be outside in 100 degree weather this month?

• As many of you know, OPTIONS has been extremely successful in reaching women 25-45 and engaging them in meaningful exploration of the issues facing women and girls, personal philanthropy, grantmaking, site visits, and more. I have consistently received requests over the years to expand and serve women 45 and older. We think the time is right to do this and have been working on something we hope to launch in 2013. This yet-to-be named program has its genesis in OPTIONS but will be different in its implementation. Please contact me at jenniferp@cicf.org if you are interested in learning more.
• GO: Give Back participants are engaging more deeply in the philanthropic process by committing to a public art project, GO Ahead & Play, designed to bring the arts to those who need it most. Our staff and volunteers will advise GO participants as they create a pop-up piano concept based on the model funded by Monica Yunus and her organization, Sing for Hope. Our relationship with Monica Yunus has its origins in our being a lead funder of Grameen Indianapolis, local branch of Grameen America, founded by her father Muhammad Yunus. Stay tuned for more information.
• Grant proposals were due a few weeks ago and I have begun the immense process and responsibility of reading all of them. Have you wondered about the process and how we determine who receives funding? Applicants first visit our website where they learn about our priorities, timetable, and download an application. Grants Officer Julie Koegel meets with nearly all potential applicants during the process to provide guidance and support. Once applications are received, Julie and I read each one and provide critical feedback to the organizations and ask hard questions to help our Grants Committee have the best information possible for making funding decisions. Members of the Grants Committee receive and review the applications and other key information from staff due diligence, then they meet together to review and discuss proposals, weigh information, needs, and potential outcomes against our priorities and make very difficult decisions about who should receive funding and how much. The Committee presents their recommendations to the Advisory Board for consideration and the final funding decision. Throughout the process, we have a strong commitment to honoring the trust and investment of our donors in Women's Fund. Finally, by year's end we notify the applicants and send a check to those awarded a grant. For those who were not awarded a grant, we let them know why and what they can do to be more competitive next time.
• Instead of a written Board member highlight, I am excited to share a link to an audio clip of Jane Schlegel and me, recorded for StoryCorps. Jane has been an important part of Women's Fund, nearly since our inception. Jane was our second Board Chair and has remained faithfully involved since that time. I hope you have the opportunity to listen to part of our conversation.
• Finally, many thanks to our friends at Indianapolis Power & Light Company for sponsoring this e-newsletter. We have had a long, significant relationship with IPL. I am writing this from my desk in the Women's Fund IPL House, they sponsored eleven sessions of our Power of Girls program, and have contributed to our operating fund for many years. This most recent gift brings IPL's total giving to Women's Fund to nearly $175,000. Now that is powerful!

I am truly grateful to everyone who helps contribute to our success and the success of women and girls in central Indiana. Whether your contribution equals $10, $100, $1000, or $100,000, please know it all adds up to improve options and opportunities for women and girls in our community. So, if you have read something today that has inspired you, please consider a contribution that equals your inspiration.

Jennifer Pope Baker
Executive Director
Women's Fund of Central Indiana
Central Indiana Community Foundation