Women’s Fund endowment hits $1 million mark

By Brandi Makuski

The Women’s Fund of Portage County is celebrating its $1 million endowment.

The group launched their 20/20 Vision Campaign in 2017 when they began working towards the goal of raising $1 million by 2020.

“Even through a pandemic, these strong, determined women pushed hard…it wasn’t easy, but we believed in our mission and persevered,” said Beth McBride, Women’s Fund Board President. “Today, we celebrate with all of the donors and volunteers who have come together to reach a goal, a dream never thought possible—a $1 million fund created by women for women and children.”

Since their first grant in 1998, the Women’s Fund has provided over $640,000 in grants to women and children in Portage Co.

The fund has supported skills enhancement, leadership development, and scholarships for single mothers, along with items for infants. The group also helps fund the St. Michael’s Breast Care Center, the Family Crisis Center, wellness workshops, and designated breastfeeding areas across the community.

Over 60 agencies have received financial support from the Women’s Fund in the past 24 years, according to a news release from the group.

“Our goal has always been to support those programs that help women and their children when they need us most so they can become stronger, more self-sufficient, confident, and successful,” said Kelly Caughlan, advisor to the Women’s Fund.

The final match gift was provided by Ann Shannon, who was the executive director of the Community Foundation in 2017 when the Women’s Fund set its $1 million goal.

“This incredible journey has been filled with fortitude and patience,” Shannon said. “I always trusted that the women of this community would achieve greatness by building this historic and impressive endowed fund for the women and children of Portage County.”

For more information on the Women’s Fund of Portage County, or to donate, click here.