Philanthropy & DonorsCelebrating and Reflecting
On the eve of the new year, it is timely for me to take a moment to reflect on the past year at Women's Fund and to share my vision for the next.
Resolving to Make a Difference
It is almost 2010, so I am reflecting on what I was doing ten years ago, as the world anticipated what might come with Y2K. That same year, Women's Fund celebrated our first year of grantmaking. Ten years later, we have granted a total of over $3.2 million to 89 central Indiana organizations.
Top 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!
December Greetings + Women. Girls. Central Indiana.
Highlights from a great year at Women's Fund and a video clip from The Power of Women's Philanthropy, plus Women's Fund updates you need to know.
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!
Donor Spotlight: Meet Jen Jansen
Meet Jen Jansen: passionate supporter of Women's Fund, family-oriented philanthropist and helper to those in need in central Indiana and beyond.
Helpful Approaches to Giving
There are many ways to give to our favorite nonprofit organizations. These are some ways you may not have considered which could allow you to maximize the impact of your giving.
Partner Spotlight: WellPoint
WellPoint has supported Women's Fund since 2011, contributing $5,000.
There's Still Time to Contribute
Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, shares year-end opportunities to claim charitable deductions that can benefit Women's Fund. Elaine is a Women's Fund Advisory Board Member and Vice Chair.
Include Emergencies in Your Giving Plan
If you contribute to any non-profit organization on a regular basis, you may receive frequent communication regarding financial crises that arise. Sometimes I know that I feel like charities may be crying wolf too often. And sometimes I wonder to myself why these organizations haven’t planned for the unexpected, and that maybe they are just preying on my human reaction to want to help fix an emergent problem.
The Best Method to Gift to Charity
Contributed by Elaine Bedel, CFP; President, Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc. The end of the year is a good time to consider donating to your favorite nonprofit organization and to take advantage of tax benefits. Depending on the form of your gift to charity, you can receive tax benefits beyond the charitable tax deduction itself. To take advantage of these other benefits, you need to review your personal situation and plan ahead to allow sufficient time to complete the gifting process.
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.
Billie Jean King is my Shero
The Power of Women's Philanthropy was an incredible event - and Billie Jean King is my new Shero! WOW! What a woman and what an inspiration! Here are just a few of my "take aways" from her presentation.
Charitable Giving – Which Causes Rank High for Women?
By: Angela E. White, CFRE The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University just released the second part of its Women Give 2010 research, which asks the question, “Are there differences between male and female single-headed households across all subsectors of charitable giving?”
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. Girls. Central Indiana - November 2012
Here's a look back at the month of November for Women's Fund - everything from grants announcement to OPTIONS celebrations and more.
Being Thankful
It's approaching the end of the work day before Thanksgiving. With tomorrow being a day to give thanks, I have paused to reflect on some things I am thankful for - big and small - in my role at Women's Fund.
Volunteering as a Family
Women’s Fund may not be the first organization that comes to mind when thinking about family volunteering, but in fact, they offer two philanthropy education programs that instill that same belief of giving back. The cool thing is their philanthropy education programs extend beyond a day or week of volunteering together, but focus on lifelong giving.
OPTIONS Alumnae Reconnect
As the ninth class of OPTIONS concludes and we head into the tenth anniversary year for this philanthropy education program, this was a fitting way to celebrate this year and launch into the next.
Celebrate National Philanthropy Day!
By Angela E. White, CFRE. Honoring donors and the changes they support in our communities.
Do You Have a Button for That?
Angela E. White, CFRE, asks herself and others "Are you pushing the right buttons to build donor loyalty and increase philanthropic capacity?"
Lessons for a Lifetime
What did participants learn at Power of Girls? How were they impacted? So many of the "take aways" from this program go well beyond the day of the event...
Money Sense for Children
By: Elaine E. Bedel, CFP Teach your children these three important lessons of money management: SAVE for your future; SPEND appropriately; and SHARE for the greater good of others and your community.
Women and Girls Win Through Interagency Connections
Through her work, Julie Koegel, Grants Officer for Women's Fund of Central Indiana, knows the value of interagency connections - and how they can benefit women and girls in our community. Read more about the connections among Women's Fund grantees.
Discovering
I truly have had a great time getting to know Womens Fund better over the past few months. Yes, I went through OPTIONS several years ago. Yes, I know several of the organizations who benefit from Womens Fund grants. Yes, I have a few friends on committees and/or the board. But Ive discovered some new things I didnt know (or maybe didnt remember). Take, for example, some of these did you knows that ive discovered or rediscovered.
OPTIONS and Impact
Contributed by Lynda Goeke. We all have options to give money where we like: church, museums, not-for-profits, etc. My OPTIONS class number four had the opportunity to give money as a group. That is what I love about Women’s Fund. It takes all the money we give, pools it all together and gives it where it is needed.
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.
Why Nonprofits Can’t Afford to Ignore Women
By: Angela E. White, CFRE Women Give 2010 brings attention to Women in Philanthropy issues.
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.
Becoming Passionately Pink
During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wear more pink than normal; I eat pink M&Ms and I eat Yoplait and save the lids. For several years I have walked in numerous breast cancer walks locally and even 60 miles in San Diego for the 3-Day Walk. I've attended fundraisers and made donations. In a way, I hoped that would make me exempt from breast cancer ever affecting me or my friends. Not so. Last year was a year when breast cancer became more than a "cause" and more of a "personal passion".
Meet Maria: A Banker, Volunteer and Native Hoosier
Women's Fund Advisory Board Member, Maria Quintana, believes women are the backbone of the family.
Investing in Our Community
What would you do with $337,500? Thanks to our permanent endowment and all donors to it, Women's Fund will be able to continue this impact in our community for generations to come.
Friendships Made; Experiences Gained - Your OPTION
Recruiting for OPTIONS Class 10 already? It doesn’t seem that long ago that I participated - eight years goes by quickly. Back then I was eager to learn; eager to make a difference. I wanted to participate in every leadership and community program offered. OPTIONS was one of several – and the one that had the greatest impact on me.
Creating Options and Opportunities
OPTIONS is a year-long philanthropy education program for women who are 25-45 years-old. For nearly ten years, Women's Fund has been educating a new class of twenty women every year to learn about the needs and concerns of women and girls, personal and group philanthropy, the role of non-profit board leaders, and creating opportunities for site visits to organizations we support.
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - September 2012
A monthly update on September happenings at Women's Fund.
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.
Are You Hungry?
This past Saturday our GO: Give Back participants gathered for their GO educational sessions and in age-appropriate and gender divided groups, we discussed Food: Enough to Spare? Enough to Share? It was a challenging topic for children to think about people in our country and community who don't have enough to eat. The children were open, receptive, and left the session with a greater appreciation for food, nutrition, and hunger.
Q&A with Melissa Proffitt Reese
Meet Melissa Proffitt Reese: partner at Ice Miller LLC, community volunteer, Women's Fund Advisory Board member, and a mother of three teenagers who believes we all share in the responsibility of giving back and contributing to our community.
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - August 2012
A monthly update on August happenings at Women's Fund.
Older women donate more than men do to charity, IU report says
Women give more generously - and engage with organizations like Women's Fund. Article written by Barb Berggoetz, The Indianapolis Star.
Update on Our (Semi) Summer of Service
My summer of service with my kids resulted in feeding the homeless, collecting books and stuffed animals, reading and watching TV. Most importantly, it was a great way to build a foundation of service for my kids.
10 Insights into Women's Philanthropy
Angela E. White, CFRE, shares helpful tips to engage women as philanthropists and in support of your nonprofit.
Betty and the Importance of Women Leaving a Legacy
Angela E. White shares some valuable insight and asks important questions after a long-time, $25 per year donor, leaves the largest bequest to date from an alumna.
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.
Women's Fund Endowment Campaign
Contributed by Julie Manning Magid, Associate Professor of Business Law, Indiana University Kelly School of Business. Women's Fund maintains a permanent endowment. A well-funded endowment allows Women's Fund to research and communicate the needs of women and girls in this community. A well-funded endowment supports the needs of the agencies to continue their crucial services.
Planning For Impact
What do all of the following entities have in common? * Indianapolis Colts * Indianapolis Woman magazine * Indianapolis Airport Air Traffic Control Planning. All of these have a plan - a detailed plan - to accomplish great success.
Shopping at Saks Benefits Women's Fund
Two of my favorite things … shopping and donating to a great organization. Now it’s possible to do both through a program sponsored by Saks. Women’s Fund of Central Indiana is one of six local charities selected by Saks Fifth Avenue Indianapolis to benefit from their “I’m Going to Saks … For My Favorite Charity” program.
Sharing Memories and History through StoryCorps
Women's Fund had the opportunity to share a piece of our history and personal moments with StoryCorps, through a recent conversation between Jane Schlegel, Advisory Board Chair 2000-2001, and Jennifer Pope Baker, Executive Director.
Taking a Charitable Staycation
Are you being inundated with requests for charitable gifts this year? Are your inboxes and mailboxes full of invitations, stories, and pulls to your heartstrings? Are you finding yourself challenged by how to respond when your financial situation is different than in the past? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you can empathize with the way Women's Fund is feeling in 2009.
Women's Fund announces new website
(Indianapolis) -- Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, a special interest fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation, has launched a new website designed to be informative and engaging. The new site, www.womensfund.org, highlights Women's Fund as the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana. Viewers can expect to find the latest statistics and trends affecting women and girls, an insider’s look into the organization through the Women’s Fund blog and industry news and videos and profiles of Women’s Fund programs and people.
Engaging and Informative New Website will be a Resource
Women's Fund has a new website! I, for one, am excited about the opportunities the new site will bring. Not only does it look snappy, it will allow our donors, grantees, and new friends connect with us. The new site highlights Women's Fund as an expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana and thanks those who contribute to our success.
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - May 2012
A monthly update on happenings in Women's Fund this May.
30 years ago – from Diet Coke to Women’s Leadership and a Few Things in Between
Angela E. White, CFRE, reflects on the past 30 years - all of its changes, opportunities... and Diet Coke.
Words That Motivate Women to Give
Angela E. White, CFRE, talks about creating an emotional bond between your cause and women donors.
Getting to Know Wendy Yerkes
Each month, Women's Fund will introduce you to one of our dedicated supporters through a Q & A series. This month, it's our pleasure to introduce you to Wendy Yerkes - one of our first board members, a mother of two, a community volunteer, a mentor, a tutor and a passionate pet lover.
Challenged to make a difference by a group of kids
Give a few kids a video camera and see how they can inspire others. That's just what Women's Fund of Central Indiana did during their GO Family Philanthropy Day. Their creativity, passion and honesty are heartwarming, touching and motivating.
History in the Making: Sixteen Years of Growth and Success
As Women's Fund celebrates our 16th anniversary, I took a look through history and found some key moments since we were founded in 1996. Learn more!
GO Family Philanthropy Day: The Power of Half
Last Saturday, about 60 people, including 16 families, gathered for 2010 GO Family Philanthropy Day at the Indianapolis Art Center. This event provided a meaningful and enriching philanthropy education experience to parents whose children are involved in GO: Give Back.
What is an Endowment?
Contributed by Elaine Bedel, CFP; President, Bedel Financial Consulting, Inc. Have you ever been asked to make a charitable contribution to the endowment of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana? There is often confusion with respect to giving to an endowment versus giving directly to a charitable organization. The one major difference is that when you make a gift to an endowment, you really are making "a gift that keeps on giving".
Celebrating Volunteers
Women's Fund. You know we are the expert resource for issues impacting women and girls in central Indiana. You know we are dedicated increasing options and opportunities for women and girls in our community. You know we have an $11 million endowment and make well-reasoned, researched grants to organizations who are functioning at a high level.
When Tragedy Strikes, Philanthropic Spirit Prevails
As a mother, past half marathoner, and concerned citizen, Abigail shares her thoughts on the tragedy that struck the city of Boston yesterday.
Women's Fund aims to build endowment to $20 million
By: Kathleen McLaughlin, Indianapolis Business Journal. The Women’s Fund of Central Indiana recently completed an endowment drive that raised $7 million, making the endowment one of the largest of its kind in terms of assets. Now at $11.6 million, Women’s Fund focuses its giving in three areas: access to quality child care, eliminating domestic violence, and building sufficient incomes for women. It plans to make grants totaling about $500,000 this year.
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?
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.
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."
Cookies, Badges and Beyond: Women's Fund and Girl Scouts
I’m fascinated by Girl Scout cookie time – fascinated by the dedication of the Troops selling them each weekend throughout the city; I’m fascinated by the mom’s helping to sell their daughter’s cookies; but mostly I’m fascinated by the lessons learned by Girl Scout cookie time. And wouldn’t you just know that as I was talking about Girl Scout cookies with Women’s Fund I learned something new about the organization… they helped create a Girl Scout Badge.
Donor Spotlight: Cheryl Strain
Get to know Cheryl Strain: community volunteer, gardener, grandmother, and Women's Fund donor.
Donor Spotlight: Sue Tempero
Get to know Sue Tempero, community volunteer, passionate supporter of women's issues, Rotary member, grandparent of six, and Women's Fund donor.
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.
Celebrating Donors and Their impact
Last night Women's Fund held an event to thank donors to the Endowment Campaign. An impressive crowd of 200 people gathered at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral to celebrate the impact their support has made to women and girls in central Indiana.
Trends for 2013 - What's Trending for You?
After googling "2013 trends for women," Angela E. White, CFRE, has decided to focus on leadership and impact trends rather than fashion and beauty. Read what inspired her to do so - and why she hopes you will join her.
The Giving Characteristics of High Net Worth Women: Going beyond the “warm and fuzzy” stereotype of women donors
By: Angela E. White, CFRE Senior Consultant and CEO Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates
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.
Getting Down to Business: Becca Hanson and 14 Districts
“Getting Down to Business” is our new monthly feature of female entrepreneurs in central Indiana. This month, we are excited to introduce you to Rebecca Hanson, owner of 14 Districts, world traveler, OPTIONS Class 13 member and fashion extraordinaire.
Women. Girls. Central Indiana. - January 2013
A monthly update on Women's Fund happenings from Jennifer Pope Baker, Executive Director.
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!
Inspired (and Intrigued) by a Great Philanthropist
I have read with great interest the many stories about Ruth Lilly following her death at the age of 94. What an amazing woman who gave so much to so many. She had an incredible charitable spirit that she shared with numerous organizations nationally and locally, including Women’s Fund of Central Indiana.
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.
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