Kitchen Sink
A Future Where Women Look Up to See Only Open Sky and Opportunities
With donor support, the Women’s Fund of the greater Milwaukee and Fond du Lac area empowers women and girls across the Fox Cities to dismantle barriers, challenge the status quo, and step into their limitless potential. We exist to shine a light on issues affecting women and girls here at home. We expand the conversation and amplify our combined voice to demand systemic change.
0
In Assets
0
Donor Funds
0
Granted
0
Nonprofits Supported
0
Funded Programs
Advocacy
Education
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Women’s Fund Training Session
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore.
Unintended Consequence for Women Pursuing Advanced Education
Starting Point: Where Confidence Grows, Cycles Break, and Futures Change
Dia’s New Story: From Starting Point to Successful Entrepreneur
Girl-Powered Giving: Taking the Lead for Sports Equity and Community Impact
Closing the Gender Pay Gap: Why Equal Pay Day Matters
Empowering Confidence: How Lovin’ The Skin I’m In Builds Community
There is More Work to Be Done and the Time is Now
She Can. And She Does.
We raise issues and our voices. But we don’t just talk the talk, we boldly walk the walk and lock elbows with the women and girls in our community to define new rules of the game to include what’s best for all of us.
As the Women’s Fund of the greater Milwaukee and Fond du Lac area, we take on the systemic barriers that limit the opportunities for women. We support reform that allows women and girls the agency to create their own future, free from the constraints of societal expectations or bias.
When we remove barriers for women, we protect the choices of the next generation. When we empower girls, we unlock a transformative force that leads to healthier families, improved educational outcomes, stronger business performance, increased peace and safety, and a better future for our world.
“My Girl-Powered Giving experience helped me see that I have the power to make a real difference in my community. It opened my eyes to new perspectives and inspired me to create positive change in the world around me. I hope to carry this outlook with me throughout my life, always seeking ways to uplift others and make a meaningful impact.”
Gabi, Girl-Powered Giving Participant
It is through the generosity and grace of supporters such as the Women’s Fund that we can help individuals on their arduous journey to independence. Thank you again for your support. Your gift will truly make a difference in the lives of many women who are making positive changes in their own lives.
COTS, Inc.
I can definitely say that this organization has changed my life for the better! I cannot imagine where I would be right now if I had never had such great support!
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services P.O.W.E.R. program participant
After I had my daughter my whole life changed. I isolated myself and started losing my self-confidence and motivation for my own life. I tried going back to school on my own, but got discouraged with finances and child care. I didn’t think I would be able to do it alone. Thanks to the Women’s Fund, now I have resources and feel I will be more prepared when entering college.
“Jennifer” – Starting Point 2.0 Program Participant
Thank you for your generosity and your trust. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of the youth that we serve.
Youth Go – Impact Grant Recipient
Without the help of the Women’s Fund, I would not be able to achieve what I have. Thank you so much for all your help.
Fox Valley Technical College – Impact Grant Recipient
“I support the Women’s Fund because I believe in the power of girls. We are all stronger as a community when we stand together.”
Sarah Paulson, Development Committee Member and Former Women’s Fund Board Member
“The continued growth of the fund is an inspiring thing. It doesn’t stand still. It’s moved forward continually. A great part of my professional life was being involved with helping the Women’s Fund grow.”
Ruth Haviland, Women’s Fund Founding Donor
“With two daughters of my own, I want to set an example of giving back to the community. I love supporting the Women’s Fund because my donations affect many different organizations and programs that help women and girls.”
Beth Davis, Former Women’s Fund Board Member
“I love the Women’s Fund because it is a local organization and you can see the direct impact of the money that you give and the time that you give.”
Sara Micheletti, Former Women’s Fund Board Member
Teaching Philanthropy at the High School Level
More information about each Girls’ Grantmaking cohort and the issues and projects they funded is below.
For a Brighter,
More Hopeful Future.
With donor support, the Women’s Fund is a leader in making an impact on social issues concerning women and girls by funding organizations that create positive change in our communities. Thank you for your interest in making a gift to the Women’s Fund. You have an opportunity to leave a legacy to your community through the Women’s Fund. Please consider remembering the Women’s Fund in your estate gift planning.
Read more about a life that was changed because of YOU!
For a Brighter,
More Hopeful Future.
With donor support, the Women’s Fund is a leader in making an impact on social issues concerning women and girls by funding organizations that create positive change in our communities. Thank you for your interest in making a gift to the Women’s Fund. You have an opportunity to leave a legacy to your community through the Women’s Fund. Please consider remembering the Women’s Fund in your estate gift planning.
Read more about a life that was changed because of YOU!
2024 Impact Grants
Empowered Tutoring
STEM Tutoring for Girls
$7,500 to provide targeted assistance for girls in the Menasha school district in STEM subjects to empower young women with the skills and knowledge needed for higher-paying opportunities, fostering self-sufficiency.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Reaching Out New Visions in Partnership with Catalpa Health
$15,655 to create a program partnership to bring the outdoors through the Girl Scouts Adventures on the Go program to Catalpa Health’s intensive outpatient treatment program.g
SAFE Families for Children – NE Wisconsin
Supporting Parents and Mentoring Relationships
$15,000 to support women by providing temporary housing for their children, coaching, family relationships, and resources to families in crisis to break the cycle of poverty, neglect and abuse.
Impact Grants 2023
Apricity
Sober Living for Women
$5,000 to provide a safe home with support services to help women in recovery from substance use disorders move from instability and uncertainty to independence and self-sufficiency so each can reach her full potential and enjoy a brighter future.
Atlas Science Center
Women Leaders Program
$2,500 to provide opportunities for middle and high school girls to learn about and from different STEM careers and mentors through interactive and engaging activities. This program works to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM-related careers.
CAP Services
Skills Enhancement Program
$10,000 to provide financial assistance to support women in Outagamie and Waupaca Counties are continuing their education. This program supports women in becoming more economically and emotionally self-sufficient by providing financial assistance for training-related costs, paired with holistic case management to prevent, manage, and overcome barriers in a variety of areas.
Together, We Fly Higher
Thank you to the following individuals, families, companies and women’s organizations that have established funds within the Women’s Fund:
Thank you for your support!
4Giving 2Gether 4Women Fund
Athena Award Winners Giving Circle Fund
Bel Brands USA Fund for Women and Girls
Patricia Boldt Fund for Women Administrative Endowment
Renee Boldt Fund for Women
Rebecca Strampe Boulanger Fund for Women and Girls
Heather Boyer Fund for Women and Girls
Community First Credit Union Fund for Women
Miranda L. Coonen Young Philanthropist Fund
Katherine Davis Fund for Women and Girls
4Giving 2Gether 4Women Fund
Athena Award Winners Giving Circle Fund
Bel Brands USA Fund for Women and Girls
Patricia Boldt Fund for Women Administrative Endowment
Renee Boldt Fund for Women
Rebecca Strampe Boulanger Fund for Women and Girls
Heather Boyer Fund for Women and Girls
Community First Credit Union Fund for Women
Miranda L. Coonen Young Philanthropist Fund
Katherine Davis Fund for Women and Girls
Impact Grant Annual Schedule
| Impact Grants | Innovative Pathway Grants | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Open | November 11, 2024 | November 11, 2024 |
| Letter of Intent Due | January 17, 2025 | January 17, 2025 |
| Committee reviews and clarifying questions answered | February 7, 2025 | February 7, 2025 |
| Applicants notified if selected to submit a full proposal | February 14, 2025 | February 14, 2025 |
| Full Proposals Due | March 14, 2025 | March 14, 2025 |
| Committee reviews and decide who moves to interview stage | N/A | April 15, 2025 |
| Site visits/interviews scheduled and completed | N/A | Early May |
| Applicants notified of funding decisions | Mid-April | Mid-May |
A special thank you to Ashley’s family, who for 20 years has made a lasting impact in Ashley’s memory after her courageous battle with cancer in 2003, have awarded three scholarships to close out their fund.
Focus
Advancing Economic Opportunities for Women and Girls
The Women’s Fund directs its resources and leadership on creating, strengthening, and accelerating economic opportunities that enable women and girls to achieve their full potential.
Priorities
Continuing Education and Training
Knowing that education is a pathway to economic security and financial stability, the Women’s Fund supports programs and initiatives to empower women to pursue and achieve their post-secondary educational goals.
Life Skills, Mentoring & Supports
The Women’s Fund supports programs and initiatives that increase the ability of women and girls to effectively manage challenges and successfully navigate everyday life circumstances.
This is accomplished through the power of one-on-one mentoring, goal planning, connection to community resources, and supportive services to help women identify and work toward their goals, to break down barriers, and to foster increased confidence and realize a vision of what is possible.
Mental and Emotional Wellness
To ensure women and girls have access to a spectrum of supports to nurture mental and emotional wellness to thrive, the Women’s Fund supports programs and initiatives to proactively support women and girls to be mentally and emotionally healthy.
Our Board of Directors
Sarah Jansen, Board President
Community Volunteer
Michele Nevins – Treasurer/Secretary
Oh Snap! Pickling, LLC
Heather Beresford
Plexus
Michelle Dejno
O’Connor Connective
Sarah Jansen, Board President
Community Volunteer
Michele Nevins – Treasurer/Secretary
Oh Snap! Pickling, LLC
Heather Beresford
Plexus
Michelle Dejno
O’Connor Connective
Sarah Jansen, Board President
Community Volunteer
Michele Nevins – Treasurer/Secretary
Oh Snap! Pickling, LLC
Heather Beresford
Plexus
Michelle Dejno
O’Connor Connective
Sarah Jansen, Board President
Community Volunteer
Michele Nevins – Treasurer/Secretary
Oh Snap! Pickling, LLC
Past Board of Directors
We are honored and grateful for the leadership provided by the following Board members as they conclude their service on the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region in July 2024.
Adrienne Hartman
J. J. Keller & Associates
Polly Olson
Appleton Police Department
Sarah Paulson
Valkyrie Financial
Lora Zimmer
McCarty Law LLP