The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is pleased to announce that the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund 2024 grant applications are now open. Women’s Health Fund (WHF) grants are offered to nonprofit organizations throughout Southeast Kansas in support of the WHF mission to improve the health and well-being of women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality-of-life opportunities to benefit all women.
This year, the WHF is sponsoring two separate grant opportunities. The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Circle of Friends Giving Circle grant process offers grants of up to $2,000. The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Women’s Giving Circle grant process offers grants of more than $2,000.
Applications are available at SoutheastKansas.org/Grant-App. Applications close on September 30th.
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Past Women’s Health Fund grants
In 2023, the Women’s Giving Circle awarded $46,711 to eight Southeast Kansas nonprofits, ranging from $1,500 to $12,555. The Circle of Friends Giving Circle awarded $5,800 to four organizations, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. These grants, totaling $52,511, benefited organizations in Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford, Labette, and Montgomery counties.
Since its establishment in 2007, the Women’s Health Fund has granted over $400,000 to improve women’s health throughout Southeast Kansas.
More information about the Women’s Health Fund
The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund was founded in 2007 with the establishment of the Women’s Giving Circle. In 2012, the Fund expanded with the addition of the Circle of Friends Giving Circle. Each of these giving circles is funded by annual membership contributions from local residents who care about Southeast Kansas women’s and girls’ health. In addition, a portion of membership contributions to the Women’s Giving Circle is placed in an endowed fund to grow over time and support future grant cycles.
In recognition of their generosity, giving-circle members are invited to review grant applications and together recommend which projects should receive funding.
“The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is an inspiring example of what can be achieved by a dedicated group combining their resources to improve their community,” said Devin Gorman, CFSEK Executive Director. “We are blessed with so many compassionate and caring women in our area who are committed to the improvement women’s healthcare in our region.”
The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund also sponsors the Nightingale Endowment, a designated fund to benefit the new simulation hospital at Pittsburg State University’s Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is pleased to be the host agency for the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK serves the region by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and improve the quality of life. To learn more about CFSEK or the Women’s Health Fund, please visit SoutheastKansas.org/WHF or call 620-231-8897.