Last updated July 29, 2021
The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) is pleased to announce that the 2020 Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund grant application is now available through May 15, 2020. The Women’s Health Fund provides grants through its two giving circles for nonprofit projects that further the Fund’s mission of improving women’s health and well-being. This year’s grant application can be found on the Women’s Health Fund page of our website and is due by May 15, 2020.
Keep reading to learn more about Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund grants.
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What is the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund?
The Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund is composed of two giving circles, the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) and the Circle of Friends (COF). The WGC was established in 2007, and the COF was created in 2013.
The mission of the Women’s Health Fund is to “improve the health and well-being of women by supporting education, increasing awareness and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.”
What are Women’s Health Fund grants?
Each year, members of the WGC and COF review grant applications and approve grants for programs that further the Women’s Health Fund’s mission. Grants of $2,000 or less are made by the COF, and grants of more than $2,000 are made by the WGC. Since their creation, the two giving circles have granted more than $250,000 for women’s health programs.
Past projects that received a grant from the Women’s Health Fund include:
- The Pittsburg State University School of Nursing purchased “Pediatric Hal,” a pediatric-patient simulator.
- The Community Health Center of SEK developed and launched the “Mammograms Save Lives” breast-cancer-screening campaign.
- Angels Among Us helped SEK cancer patients with any and all financial needs throughout their treatment process.
- Through its “Healthy Family Bonds” program, Fostering Connections provided mental-health services to foster parents and other family members for increased family bonding.
- The Crawford County Health Department provided space for breastfeeding families to nurse or express breastmilk at public events through the Lactation Station.
For a full list of 2019 grant recipients, see our Women’s Health Fund page.
Who can apply for Women’s Health Fund grants?
Women’s Health Fund grants are only available for 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, units of government, and religious organizations. If you’re uncertain whether your group or organization is eligible for a grant from the Women’s Health Fund, please contact us for help.
How to apply for a Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund grant
To apply for a Women’s Health Fund grant, download the grant application from our website. Because our office is temporarily closed, once you’ve completed the application, return it to CFSEK via email to Sherri Stephens. Your application should be typed and should include:
- Proof of nonprofit status if not already on file with CFSEK;
- Your organization’s mission statement; and
- A list of your organization’s Board of Directors.
Applications must be returned to CFSEK by May 15, 2020.