Women Helping Women Fund

The Women Helping Women Fund, administered by the Greater Salina Community Foundation in Salina, Kansas, is a targeted grant opportunity designed to empower women facing hardship within Saline County. This fund represents a community-led effort for women to support other women and their families as they work toward regaining independence and overcoming crises. The Foundation, a well-established philanthropic organization in the region, provides infrastructure and oversight for a variety of charitable initiatives including grants, scholarships, and donor-advised funds. Through the Women Helping Women Fund, the Foundation aims to create direct and immediate impact in the lives of local women by supporting specific, practical needs. This grant program is unique in its structure and approach. Applicants cannot apply independently; they must submit their request through a designated Partner Agency. These Partner Agencies serve as intermediaries, ensuring that applications align with the fund’s mission and that applicants meet the eligibility requirements. While staff members of these agencies are generally not eligible to receive funds, exceptions exist for those uninvolved in the Women Helping Women grant process—they may apply, but only through a different agency. This safeguard ensures both fairness and transparency in the review and disbursement process. Eligible applicants must be women residing in Saline County, Kansas. The fund focuses on providing assistance for resolving a crisis or offering a one-time, practical “hand up” to promote a return to independence and productivity. Unlike scholarships or recurring assistance programs, this grant is strictly intended for immediate and specific needs. Past examples include funding for vehicle repairs, dental procedures, household utility repairs like plumbing or air conditioning, tuition support, and securing essential documentation such as birth certificates. Importantly, the fund does not cover ongoing expenses, legal fees, or reimbursements for services already rendered. Applications are carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with the fund’s twofold mission: aiding crisis resolution or providing a singular, targeted boost to an individual woman’s circumstances. Requests that do not meet these criteria, such as those for recurring expenses or general handouts, will not be approved. This focus allows the limited funds available to be directed to needs where they can make a transformative difference. All prospective applicants must initiate contact through one of the Partner Agencies listed on the Greater Salina Community Foundation’s website. The grant cycle and deadline structure are not published in the publicly available materials, which may indicate a rolling application model or periodic decision-making based on availability of funds. Individuals interested in applying or seeking more information are advised to speak directly with the Foundation or Partner Agencies for guidance. The point of contact for inquiries regarding the Women Helping Women Fund is Jessica Fuller, Director of Grants and Scholarships. She can be reached at (785) 823-1800. The Foundation’s office is located at 119 W. Iron, 8th Floor, Salina, KS 67402, and office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon (afternoons by appointment). All correspondence may also be directed to their mailing address at P.O. Box 2876, Salina, KS 67402-2876.