Women’s Fund gives to nonprofits, students

News release

Eight nonprofit organizations received a combined total of $100,000 from Women’s Fund El Dorado at its annual Grants Gala held at the Cameron Park Community Services District May 4. This annual event was attended by about 175 people who gathered to hear about how their donated funds were used in 2022 and to learn which nonprofits had been selected by the members for their 2023 grants. WFED is a collective giving organization that combines donations from its almost 400 members. These are leveraged in the form of grants that support community philanthropy to enhance the quality of life on the Western Slope.

In her opening remarks, WFED Chair Ann Curtis introduced the Inspiration Grant recipients for 2022 and was also excited to announce that WFED has a new committee devoted to working out the logistics for a pilot program for multi-year grants.

The two Inspiration Grant representatives spoke about how their projects are progressing.

Lori Scoville of Snowline Hospice reported the support from Women’s

Fund El Dorado for its in-home palliative care for advanced dementia patients program provided the springboard needed to qualify for a national grant in which Snowline will partner with other healthcare professionals in the county.

Jennifer LaForce from Only Kindness spoke to the changes made in the lives of women and children experiencing homelessness by working with those at risk of homelessness, those needing prevention assistance and those in need of temporary emergency shelter.

The 2023 Inspiration Grants were awarded to two organizations. Housing El Dorado received a $25,908 grant to jumpstart its cottage/accessory dwelling unit project. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Sierra received $26,000 to support Bigs in Blue, a program that partners local youth with first responders.

Impact Grants of $8,000 each were awarded to three nonprofits on the Western Slope. CASA El Dorado received this grant for supporting young victims of child abuse and neglect in the community, as well n See Grants, page B7