Ida Barlow Brilliance Award

The Ida Barlow Brilliance Award is an annual microgrant administered by the Marion County Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a longstanding mission of empowering women and enriching the local community. Established in 2020 in honor of Ida Harsh Barlow, one of Marion’s earliest civic-minded clubwomen, the award is supported in perpetuity by an endowed fund at the Marion Community Foundation. Ida Barlow was known for her leadership in public health, civic improvement, and cultural engagement, and this award honors women who embody her legacy through community-driven leadership and innovation. The award provides $1,000 in financial support to a woman-led small business or nonprofit organization operating in Marion County, Ohio. The funding is intended to help recipients launch a new initiative or enhance an existing project that directly aligns with the mission of the Marion Women’s Club: empowering women and enriching the community while preserving the historic Barlow Home and promoting the club’s legacy. Projects must demonstrate community need, innovation, and measurable impact. Capital improvements and building projects are not eligible under this program. Eligible applicants must be women aged 18 or older, residing in Marion County, who are either owners of a small business or program leaders/executive directors of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the area. All applicants must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Required application materials include a completed application form, a project narrative (up to 1,000 words), and a detailed budget. The project narrative must cover objectives, community need, intended impact, alignment with the Club’s mission, and a timeline. If applying on behalf of a nonprofit, a valid tax ID number and IRS determination letter must be included. Applications are due no later than 11:59 PM on October 31, 2025, and must be submitted as a single PDF file via email to womensclubhome@gmail.com. A review panel will select one awardee based on criteria including innovation, community impact, and mission alignment. Award recipients must submit progress reports at six months and one year following award disbursement and are expected to participate in publicity efforts such as local media and events. No individual or organization may receive the award more than twice within a five-year period. The award is designed to recognize and amplify the work of “busy and brilliant” women in Marion County—those carrying on the legacy of Ida Barlow by leading community-focused initiatives. Previous recipients have included projects focused on literacy, youth engagement, and women’s empowerment. The announcement of the 2025 recipient will be made in December following review and selection by the judging committee. Questions can be directed to the program email address, with “Ida Barlow Award” in the subject line.

Submit as single PDF to womensclubhome@gmail.com. Follow word count and documentation rules. Prioritize innovation and alignment with mission.