Grants Budget/Grantmaking

Annual Grants Budget

Contributions to WLF are made to the endowment, which is managed by VCCF as part of its long-term endowment pool. Five percent of the Fund (based on VCCF’s spending policy) is distributed annually to the grants pool, which is often supplemented by individual contributions for that year, and from other VCCF funds whose purpose includes women’s issues or supporting girls.

Grantmaking

The focus of each year’s grant cycle is determined by the Founders and those who have contributed over $1,000 that year. A Grants Committee (made up of Founders, Named Fund holders and annual donors) designs a Request for Proposal based on the priorities selected and reviews the applications submitted by area nonprofits. The Grants Committee recommends recipients from the pool of applicants, based on funds available. Final approval comes when the VCCF board ratifies the Grants Committee’s recommendations. The grants are presented during a Grantee Reception, usually held in September. The Fund has focused on priorities which include protection against violence, economic empowerment, skills training for the workforce and helping women and girls seek recovery from substance abuse.

Beginning in 2010, WLF will be making grants in 2 year cycles; with 2012 being the next scheduled grants process. Guidelines should be posted in spring 2012. Please check back often or sign up for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership ENews, in which we announce all open RFPs.