The Women’s Fund is proud to announce our partnership with the following organizations from our January 2025 competitive grant cycle. $15,500 was granted to support nonprofit programs addressing financial wellness, childcare access and expansion, and mental and behavioral health support for women in Portage County.
These grants are made possible through the Women’s Fund of Portage County Legacy Endowment, established in 1996. The endowment has grown to more than $1 million from the generosity of local donors and now provides over $40,000 annually for grants to strengthen our community’s support for issues important to women.
Ib Hnub aka One Day Program – Central WI Hmong Professionals
Program aims to empower Hmong and Southeast Asian women professionals in Central Wisconsin, particularly in Portage County, through mentorship, networking events, and building a supportive community. The program focuses on career advancement and leadership, providing resources and opportunities for success. They plan to impact 25-50 Hmong women in Portage County and involve the Central Wisconsin Hmong Professionals organization in community engagement. Ib Hnub was awarded $2,000.
Skills Enhancement Program – CAP Services, Inc
The Skills Enhancement Program by CAP Services supports low-income working women in achieving economic security through post-secondary training, with funding from the Women’s Fund of Portage County. The program focuses on financial wellness, job advancement, and holistic support for participants. It aims to have 25% of participants complete training and secure better jobs, with positive outcomes seen in 2024. This program was awarded $2,500.
Good Start Grants – Childcaring, Inc.
Childcaring’s Good Start Grants (GSG) program in Portage County provides financial aid to eligible families for quality childcare, supporting families in achieving financial stability and providing access to resources for child development and parenting skills. The program has positively impacted families, childcare providers, and employers by helping families maintain employment and cover basic needs through affordable childcare. This program was awarded $4,000.
Scholarships for Mothers – UW-Stevens Point Women’s and Gender Studies
The project involves providing scholarships to student mothers at UWSP in Portage County, aligning with WFPC’s mission of financial stability for women. The scholarships help ease financial burdens and support women facing insecurities. This scholarship program was awarded $2,000.
Family Crisis Center – CAP Services, Inc
The Family Crisis Center Services seeks to provide financial assistance post-abuse to clients with limited or no income for necessities like transportation, housing, healthcare, prescriptions, and
food. The project aligns with financial wellness goals by offering direct financial aid for emergency needs, aiming to support 50-100 women and children with $25-$50 each. This program was awarded $2,500.
Back to School Bash – Evergreen Community Initiatives
“Back to School Bash” provides free clothing and essentials to families in need, with a focus on supporting children for the upcoming school year. It aligns with the mission of the Women’s Fund of Portage County by helping families achieve financial stability. The program was awarded $500.
Before School Care in Junction City – Boys and Girls Club of Portage County
The Boys & Girls Club of Portage County provides before-school care in Junction City for 1st-6th graders at Kennedy Elementary. They aim to support families with long commutes, particularly single mothers, serving 57 youth in 2024. They collaborate with Junction City School District and use various funding sources to sustain programming, ensuring before-school care remains a priority. This program was awarded $1,000.
Operations Costs – Amherst’s Own Childcare
Amherst’s Own Child Care, Inc., enrolls children from all economic strata and has been doing so for 34 years. The center also provides job opportunities for women. This program was awarded $1,000 to support the center’s ability to sustain operations without having to increase family fees to levels in excess of what of what the community served can afford.