Women’s Giving Circle Grants

The Women’s Giving Circle Grants are an annual funding opportunity created through the collaborative efforts of the Linda S. Phaneuf Women & Children Fund and the Women’s Giving Circle of Ripley County. Originally established as Fund #425, the Linda S. Phaneuf Women & Children Fund was created with the goal of supporting initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by women and children in Ripley County. In 2021, the formation of the Women’s Giving Circle further enhanced the fund's impact, bringing together community members who share a commitment to improving the lives of local women and children through focused philanthropy. Together, these entities provide recurring grantmaking designed to benefit nonprofits operating in the region. The Women’s Giving Circle Grants are designed to support programs and services that directly improve the well-being, education, safety, and overall quality of life for women and children within Ripley County. The scope of funded projects may include, but is not limited to, health services, educational initiatives, emergency support, shelter services, mentorship, childcare, and empowerment programs. The initiative aims to create measurable, positive change by investing in nonprofits that have demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs of women and children and the capacity to deliver effective interventions. Grant funds are awarded through a two-part process involving both committee review and member engagement. All applications are first evaluated by the Women’s Giving Circle Grant Committee, which determines a shortlist of finalists. These selected proposals are then presented to the members of the Women’s Giving Circle, who collectively vote on which organizations will receive funding. This community-driven model ensures that grant decisions are both strategic and reflective of member priorities. Each funded organization is expected to return the following year to report on how the grant was utilized, maintaining transparency and accountability in the grantmaking cycle. The primary grant cycle opens each February with applications accepted online. The submission deadline is firmly set for 11:59 PM on April 6 unless it coincides with a holiday, in which case the deadline is extended to the next business day. A second cycle may occur later in the year in conjunction with specific events, with its availability and funding amount contingent upon the success of the annual sponsorship and membership campaign. Applicants are advised to monitor event and membership updates to assess the potential for a second funding opportunity. Eligibility for the Women’s Giving Circle Grants is limited to nonprofit organizations serving women and children within Ripley County, Indiana. Prior recipients of other funding programs through the same foundation, including Small Projects, Large Projects, or Community Impact Grants, are explicitly eligible and encouraged to apply. This inclusive policy broadens access and supports continuity of service within the community. Applications are submitted through a dedicated grants portal, which was updated for the 2025 cycle. Prospective applicants must register for a new account in the portal to gain access to the application forms. Questions or concerns related to the grant or previous awards may be directed to Lexi Brown at [email protected] or by calling (812) 933-1098. Final grant decisions are announced in April following the vote, and recipients are required to participate in reporting activities in the following year to maintain funding transparency and encourage shared learning.