About the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois
Since 1993, the Women’s Fund has been a driving force in empowering women and girls across central Illinois. What began as a visionary effort to unite 1,000 women each contributing $1,000 to create a million-dollar endowment has evolved—yet the core goal has remained steadfast. We are thrilled to report that the Women’s Fund endowment now exceeds $1.4 million.
This incredible achievement has been made possible by the collective generosity of over 200 Founding Members and a transformational gift of more than $300,000 from one individual Founding Member. With this endowment, the Women’s Fund will provide over $45,000 in annual grants—forever—supporting initiatives that uplift and advocate for women and girls.
To date, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than 160 grants totaling over half a million dollars, helping create lasting change throughout the region.
“Power does come from money, and women do control much of the money in this country.”
– Donna Haerr
A Legacy of Leadership and Vision
Founded in 1993 by Pat Barton and key collaborators Donna Haerr, Deb Ritschel, and Jay Goldberg, the Fund was established to promote female philanthropy and amplify the voices and needs of women.
Today, women’s influence and financial strength continue to grow—along with the opportunity to make meaningful impact. Yet, less than 5% of charitable contributions go toward programs specifically for women and girls.
Invest in Women, Invest in the Future
When women prosper, communities thrive. That’s why the Women’s Fund is calling on supporters to elevate women and girls in their philanthropic priorities. Whether you’re giving $10 or $10,000, every gift matters. Donors who contribute $1,000 or more over time are recognized as Founding Members.
Together, we can build an even stronger foundation for the next 30 years—and beyond.
2025 Women’s Fund Success Grant Recipients
2026 Grant Applications Open in July
|
Organization Name |
Program Name |
Amount Awarded |
|---|---|---|
|
Dream Center Peoria |
Zoe House 2026 |
$10,000 |
|
Center for Prevention of Abuse |
PreventEd: Relationship Abuse |
$10,000 |
|
Art, Inc |
EmpowHER Our Girls |
$10,000 |
|
Hult Center for Healthy Living |
Empowering Young Girls Through Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Education |
$10,000 |
|
Girl Scouts of Central Illinois |
Level Up-Girl Scouts in Schools |
$7,200 |
|
Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank |
Empowering Periods: Breaking the Cycle of Period Poverty |
$5,000 |
|
Distillery Labs |
Distillery Labs MakerSpace | MakeHerSpace |
$5,000 |
|
Living To Serve Foundation |
Health Fairs for Low Income and Minority Women |
$5,000 |
|
Total |
$62,200 |
Women’s Fund Advisory Board
Mae Gilliland Wright – Chair
Ellen Corbin – Vice Chair
Allison Gottwald – Treasurer & Secretary
Erynn Dykstra – Immediate Past Chair
Lynette Fernandes
Bernice Gordon-Young
Erika Guercio
Hiral Hudson
Shelly Kerker
Lindsey Kerr
Andrea Parker
Kala Pierce
ShamRA Robinson
Andrea Tortora
Anupama Uddavolu
Michelle Webster
Erin Winstead
Questions about the Women’s Fund?
Please contact Sarah Fletcher, VP of Philanthropy: