BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Twenty programs across seven IU campuses were awarded grants totaling $200,000 from the Indiana University Women's Philanthropy Leadership Council. This year marks the council's eighth grant cycle, with cumulative awards totaling more than $1 million since 2012.
Awards range from $2,000 to $20,000 and support projects that improve public health, support women's leadership initiatives, promote STEM disciplines, develop a culture of philanthropy, increase opportunities for diverse and underserved populations, and provide global experiences for IU students.
"As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the Women's Philanthropy Leadership Council and IU's bicentennial, it is an honor for the council to fund these fabulous grant finalists," said Janet Godfrey, council grants chair. "The ripple effect of these grants is far reaching, from our Hoosier 'nation' to the world stage. What a thrill it is for the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council to be a part of these programs and projects."
The council reviewed 44 grant applications and invited 20 project leaders to present their programs in person to the full council. Through partnerships with the IU Foundation Board of Directors Advancement of Philanthropy Committee and the Well House Society -- one of the IU Foundation's donor recognition societies -- all 20 finalists received at least partial funding for their projects.
"As the Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council grant program successfully concludes its eighth year, we remain profoundly inspired by the initiatives we have been able to fund, which touch campuses and units across IU," said Rebecca Moorman, executive director of Women's Philanthropy at Indiana University. "With this grant cycle, the council celebrates a thrilling milestone, reaching more than $1 million in total funding awarded since 2012. We are grateful for the continued support of our partners in the IU Foundation and Well House Society, which has allowed an even greater investment in the many exciting ideas presented by Women’s Philanthropy Leadership Council grant applicants."
Well House Society Advisory Board members reviewed this year's grant applicants to ensure selected projects answer urgent needs and opportunities, demonstrate widespread impact on the university and align with the priorities of For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign. The Well House Society's 2019 contribution of $25,000 will help fund projects in IU Bloomington's Jacobs School of Music and the Overdose Lifeline Intervention and Prevention Project at IU Kokomo.
"We had many worthy projects to choose from this year, and the two projects we are able to fund will really make a difference for the residents of Indiana and beyond," said Chris Farr, the Well House Society Grants chair. "The Jacobs School of Music has a worldwide brand of excellence. This gift will help further extend that reach. Opioid abuse is devastating to communities across the nation, and IU Kokomo's proposal advocates early engagement as a preventive measure."
For the third year, the IU Foundation set aside $25,000, allowing the Advancement of Philanthropy Committee to aid the Women's Philanthropy Leadership Council in its grant-making efforts. Members of the Advancement of Philanthropy Committee attended as grant finalists presented their proposals, selecting three to receive at least partial grant funding: the Indiana Memorial Union Board's Lights on the Lawn project, Kelley Institute for Social Impact international internships and the Pathways to Social Change program, a collaborative project between the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the McKinney School of Law.
