It is a bold idea: to transform the lives of women and girls in central Ohio.
On May 4, 2000, a small group of women gathered on the front porch of Judy Garel’s home to discuss the idea of starting a women’s fund in central Ohio. Women’s funds around the country were being formed, and these women wondered if Columbus and the surrounding counties would support the idea.
After a series of conversations and a survey of the communities’ women leaders, our founders realized the interest was there. Over the years, mere interest has turned into passion, advocacy, engagement, and outreach.
The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio convened its first Board of Directors meeting in July, 2001, opened offices in February 2002, and 38 donors took a leap of faith and made significant gifts in support of our brand-new organization.
They took that leap of faith so we could create a new culture of philanthropy among women in support of programs that promised social change for women and girls in this community.
The founders of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio realized it would take more than just money, it would take serious effort to make change in this community. But they also realized that with just 7 percent of national foundation dollars supporting programs specific to women and girls, something had to be done.
Since our doors opened in 2001, these founders have continued to contribute to The Women’s Fund in many amazing ways – as donors, leaders, planners, and advocates.
They have served as board members, grant readers, and advisors who utilize their business and community connections to support our work. Their early investments in that original bold idea have yielded incredible results.
To date, The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio has made 104 grants totaling nearly $1,000,000 to programs that promise social change for women and girls in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties.
We see the next stage of the journey as the culmination of our founders’ efforts and the beginning of our next horizon. We are hard at work on a 10-year Social Change Impact strategic plan to guide us.
And we are looking forward to a future that includes your participation.