Women's Fund September Monthly Update

• Philanthropy by Design raises $12,000
  Our signature event, Philanthropy by Design, was held in May and raised approximately $12,000 for the Women's Fund endowment! More than 150 people purchased tickets for this event, featuring unique auction items. Thank you to all who supported by donating, volunteering, buying tickets, attending and bidding! Special thanks to Jill Wilkey and her event committee for all their hard work and attention to detail, Northern Homes for hosting the event, and Bank of the West for being a major event sponsor.
• 35 Under 35: Research, Development and Sponsorship
  The Women's Fund was one of the key collaborative groups that developed and supported "35 Under 35," a six-session leadership program for women under age 35. This inaugural program was a great success! In addition to providing research and helping develop the program, the Women's Fund was pleased to grant a scholarship.
• "Lucky 7" Golf Fundraiser nets $2,000
  Our first annual "Lucky 7" Women's Fund Golf Fundraiser was held at Osgood Golf Course on July 7, with approximately 30 golfers participating. This event raised more than $2,000 for the Women's Fund endowment. Thanks to Osgood golf pro (and Women's Fund advisory council member) Lisa Schwinden, to State Bank & Trust for being a major sponsor and to the many companies and individuals for their hole sponsorships and other donations.
• Fundraising Staff Position Announced
  We are pleased to announce that Pat Jorgensen has been hired as fund raising specialist for the Women's Fund! Pat has previously worked for the Fargo School District, CHARISM, Fargo Park District and Plains Art Museum and raised funds in support of many projects and events through her nonprofit work. She was very involved with New American women and children through her work at CHARISM. Pat was also one of the founding organizers and fundraisers of KidFest, which has grown to be a successful annual community event. Pat is passionate about connecting and meeting with donors and is excited to "get out there and talk about the Women's Fund and the impact it can have on the lives of women and children." We are very excited to have Pat on board and think she will help us as we re-energize and raise more dollars for the Women's Fund!
• Women's Fund Restructuring
  After feedback from Women's Fund leaders and donors, we are simplifying and streamlining the structure of the Women's Fund, which relies on volunteer leadership with the support of the F-M Area Foundation staff. Our new leadership board consists of co-chairs Becky Bakke and Karen Stensrud, finance person Sheri Schrock, secretary/past chair Stacey Griggs and member at large Jill Wilkey ... as well as active committee leads for fundraising events (Debbie Coston), programs (TBA), publicity (Catherine Black), donor relations (Harriette McCaul), grant giving and grant writing (Lisa Schwinden), and research (Janet Drechsel). This restructured leadership board will begin meeting in September. Thank to all who have volunteered on the Women's Fund advisory council and its committees!
• Grants to be Announced This Fall
  The Women's Fund's next grant round application deadline is Friday, September 11. More information and an application packet are available on the F-M Area Foundation Web site at www.areafoundation.org. Last year, the Women's Fund made $20,000 in grants to programs in our three focus areas: economic well-being of women and girls, children in need of care, and women in leadership.
  

The mission of the Women's Fund of the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation is to improve and impact the quality of life for all people by enriching the lives of women and girls in the Fargo-Moorhead area communities. We continue to build our endowment fund, with the goal of raising $1 million or more to be able to support programs "now and forever" that benefit women and girls. If you would like to make an additional donation to the Women's Fund, visit the Fargo-Moorhead Area Foundation at www.areafoundation.org/giving and choose FMAF Women’s Fund from the drop-down menu. Thank you for your past gifts of time, talent and money and for continuing to be our "ambassadors" in the community for the Women's Fund!

Becky Bakke & Karen Stensrud
2009 Women's Fund Co-Chairs