Next Grant Deadline is March 15, 2012. A grants workshop is planned for February 9th at the Athens Community Center from 10-12 to introduce the new grant form. To register call 740-594-6061 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There is no charge for this workshop.

Wicked Good Women

Women in Athens can look forward to "The Wicked Good Women" lunch series to brighten the season. Three noontime lunches are planned by The Athens Foundation Women's Fund to raise awareness of health issues near and dear to the hearts of women. The first lunch will be held February 14th, featuring guest speaker, playwright, Merri Biecheler and Dr. Tracy Marx presentation on "The Reluctant Caregiver". Many women have served as caregivers to loved ones, it can often be difficult and lonely work. What resources are available for caregivers and how can we support each other?  Guests will have the option to support the Women's Fund through raffles. All net proceeds will help the Women's Fund Endowment to fund future programs benefiting women and girls in Appalachia.

On March 13th Jeanne Albronda Heaton, PhD, will share information on women's mental health. Registered dietician Angie Provaznik will present tasty talk on good eating for a good life.

All luncheons cost $35 or all three for $90.  Checks can be mailed to Athens Foundation PO Box 366, Athens Ohio 45701. Or charged on this website using the PayPal button.

Since the establishment of the Women's Fund endowment, the goal has been to award grants for projects that enhance the lives of women and girls in the community and assist them in achieving their goals. It was this mission that made the 2010 grant recipient, the Big Sisters of Athens County, a natural choice.

While The Athens Foundation funded the Big Brothers, the Women's Fund concentrated on the Big Sisters. However, both endowments are solely responsible for the Youth Leadership program established in Hocking, Alexander, and Trimble school districts.

According to Director of Athens County Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jamey Bouwmeester, the program is designed for high school students to mentor elementary school students.

"There are 20 matches made in each school district. The Bigs and Littles meet together for a series of planned activities geared toward enhancing developmental assets, self confidence, cultural understanding, and getting along with both peers and adults."   

For Nicole Lanphier, the program coordinator, the results are far-reaching.   

"In this community especially, it's gratifying to watch young women develop strengths and see the 'bigs' really step into their roles. It's really great to watch these relationships develop."    

The mission of the Women's Fund of The Athens Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women, and to establish a permanent fund which will provide funding to programs and projects in the Athens area that empower women to achieve their full potential.

Approximately one out of five women in Athens are living at or below the poverty level. The Athens Foundation has set out to help these struggling women reach new heights by establishing the Women's Fund. Through the fund, The Athens Foundation also wants to provide an opportunity for women in the community to give back. The Foundation is encouraging women who have received support in attaining their goals to pass this blessing onto others who are in desperate need of motivation.

Women's Funds are the fastest growing branch of charity in the country, and women are jumping at the chance to help fellow females prosper through generous donations. Several prominent women in Athens County have already pledged over $120,000 in an effort to get the ball rolling.

The Foundation aims to initially accumulate $250,000 in total contributions, which would make it possible for $10,000 in grants to be awarded annually. While this is a lofty goal, members of The Athens Foundation have high hopes in the citizens to give their unfaltering support to their fellow Athenians.

Proceeds accumulated through the women's fund will be distributed through grants to programs in Athens County promoting intellectual, physical, emotion, social, economic and cultural growth for women of all ages. These programs will give local women the chance to get out and make a name for themselves. The moral support of the community coupled with the financial generosity of it's citizens will provide endless possibilities for the women in Athens County.