FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Kate Z. Baker,
Communications and Program Associate
Phone: (484) 356-0940
E-mail: katherine@ccfwg.org
GIRLS GRANTMAKING PROGRAM AWARDS $20,000 IN GRANTS
Through an award-winning philanthropy program, high school girls address critical needs in their communities.
WEST CHESTER, PA (January 4, 2017) – Five Chester County agencies received grants totaling $20,000 from the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls as part of the thirteenth cycle of its award-winning girls grantmaking program. Through the Girls Advisory Board (GAB), CCFWG educates a new generation of young women about the importance of philanthropy, community service and the positive difference each girl can make in the lives of others. While serving on GAB, high school girls from across the county learn about the economic, social and health needs of girls in the community. The young women set funding priorities, created a grant application, visited nonprofit agencies and recommended specific programs for funding.
The Girls Advisory Board accepted grant applications in the following priority areas:
- Eating disorders
- Sexual violence
- Support to mothers to increase their financial security
- Educational opportunities for girls, ages 3-12
After the thorough application process, members of the Girls Advisory Board selected their grantees through consensus decision making.
The GAB wrap-up celebration will take place in January at Delaware County Community College the Downingtown Campus for all GAB girls and their families as well as CCFWG board, committee member and supporters to attend. The 13th class of GAB will reflect on their own eye-opening experiences and share how this program changed their lives and why the five agencies were selected for funding. To date, our Girls Advisory Board has awarded nearly $220,000 over the past twelve years to programs that aim to improve the lives of girls and women in the county.
The program is a unique and transformative experience. As Mia*, a second year GAB member, stated, “Being a GAB member provides an opportunity to take a leading role in our local community. We become responsible for the futures of others and contribute to their betterment.”
*name changed to protect the privacy of the participant
The 2016 GAB grant recipients are:
Bridge of Hope Lancaster and Chester Counties
$5,000 Supportive Services for Homeless Women and Children
Chester County OIC
$3,500 Certified Nurse Assistants Program
The Crime Victims Center of Chester County, Inc.
$1,500 Supportive Services for Female Sexual Assault/Abuse Victims
Mom’s House
$5,000 Free childcare for low-income single parents who are full-time students
Wings for Success
$5,000 Clothing and Workshop Program
2016 Girls Advisory Board Class
If you know someone who is interested in serving on our 2017 Girls Advisory Board, and for all additional grantmaking inquiries please contact Michelle Legaspi Sanchez, at michelle@ccfwg.org. For more about GAB, visit our website at www.ccfwg.org/girls-advisory-board.
The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls is a grantmaking and education foundation dedicated to addressing the needs of women and girls in the county. For more than 19 years, CCFWG has raised awareness about the critical needs of women and girls, and has awarded over $2.6 million to 69 non-profit organizations. To learn more about the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, visit www.ccfwg.org.
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