WA Giving Circle Delivers Inaugural Grants
25 November 2014 at 3:08 pm
100 Women, a Perth-based giving circle, has awarded three inaugural grants totalling almost $100000 set to transform the lives of women close to home and overseas.
One grant goes to a Perth women’s refuge and two to organisations that promote women’s health in rural India and Cambodia.
The grant recipients were selected from a shortlisted field that had been whittled down from over 50 applications from international, national and local organisations.
Zonta House Refuge Association, a refuge and community organisation in Perth offering care to women after enduring a crisis, received $40,000 to fund Positive Pathways to Safety for Women and the Community, a preventative program assisting women to lead more independent, safe and fulfilling lives.
Opportunity International also received a grant of $40,000 to fund Build Healthy Futures, a program in rural Indian communities that will train female health leaders in basic health education and empower them to be ‘change agents’ in their communities.
The third grant of $14,400 goes to the Global Development Group to fund the Restore Rose program in two Cambodian provinces. The program’s main aim is to address the health and hygiene needs of women in extremely poor villages.
100 Women Chair, Alicia Curtis, said the grants will empower hundreds of women by increasing their independence, improving their health and boosting their self-esteem. In turn, this will allow them to become more valuable contributors to their respective communities.
“We are delighted to have awarded our inaugural grants to these transformational programs that also have the potential for long term impact. The hard work of our committee, the support of our ambassadors and the enthusiasm of our members has made this dream come true.”
Four micro grants of $1,000 were awarded to McCauley Community Services for Women; $1000 –SIMaid 1000 Stoves Project, World Vision Australia and BrainLink – Celebrating Strong Women.
100 Women is a Perth based giving circle which launched in March this year and has attracted more than 80 members so far. Each member contributes $1200 and has a say in how the grants are awarded.
“It enables everyday people to be involved in creating a world where all women and girls can live safely with access to health, education and economic freedom. They do this by combining member donations to provide impactful grants to causes that support the 100 Women vision,” 100 Women Chair, Alicia Curtis said.