The Women’s Fund was established in 2000 by the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester with the vision of helping women within our community.  Starting with 100 women, our goal was to make a difference in the lives of women and their families. Those first 100 women, known as the Founders were more than just the first donors, they were the very foundation of The Women’s Fund. Everything they did, every decision they made, every chance they took was for the first time. As with all new ventures, some decisions were perfect, while some were not. Over the years, The Women’s Fund has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community and the changing interests of our donors – but there is one thing that has endured. The Women’s Fund is an endowment fund. It is a legacy of caring, it is a legacy of giving. It serves the needs of this generation of women and will continue to serve future generations of women.

We will remain Women Helping Women in Need.

Our Mission

To create a powerful legacy within our community through an endowed fund that enhances the lives of women in need through focused grant making.

Our Purpose

To create a powerful legacy of women devoted to improving the community through philanthropic endeavors, provide financial support to nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women in need. We issue scholarships for ongoing educational endeavors.

Our Vision

To strengthen and grow a legacy of giving that supports women in need within our community.

Advisory Board

Lori Heizer & Erika Kruse

Co-Presidents

Kathy Bogdziewicz

Recording Secretary

Kathy McCarter

Corresponding Secretary

Advisory Committee

Holly Dolphin

Jeannine Krupp

 

    Jen Mihalick

Sue Upton

HAVEN has been a partner with The Women’s Fund from its earliest days. Starting in 2002, The Women’s Fund has awarded grants to improve HAVEN’s facilities, supported programs focusing on emergency transportation and housing, provided funding for the START Program (Safe Therapeutic Response Team), and the First Night Program. Most recently, The Women’s Fund awarded a multi-year grant for its Plant the Seeds of Hope Program assuring that future victims of domestic violence have a safe haven. The Women’s Fund has been such a terrific partner of HAVEN’s for many years. Through the grant programming we have been able to support so many women who now more than ever need the support of the entire community. In addition to funding, many members of The Women’s Fund have also given their support via volunteerism, helping to make connections with other organizations or individuals, sharing information of our services and more. The Women’s Fund is a vital partner to HAVEN and our work to eliminate domestic and sexual violence.

Beth Morrison - Executive Director, HAVEN