The FAWCO Foundation - FAWCO’s Philanthropic Arm

Quicklinks:
FAWCO’s Philanthropic Milestones
What is the FAWCO Foundation?
What is an Award?
What is a Development Grant (DG)?
How can FAWCO Reps & RCs get involved with The FAWCO Foundation?
Who are the “Friends of The FAWCO Foundation”?

The FAWCO Foundation Board looks forward to working with our Member Clubs during the 40th Ruby Jubilee Anniversary of The FAWCO Foundation. Please join us in celebrating the past, present and future philanthropic accomplishments of FAWCO during the 2007–2008 anniversary year.

FAWCO’s Philanthropic Milestones
Forty years ago FAWCO President Mary Mag (1965–1969) and her Board established FAWCO’s Foundation in 1967; Mary served as the first FAWCO Foundation President until a Board was formed, then again from 1971–1975. Donations were made to relief organizations, and academic scholarships were awarded as early as the 1930’s when membership totalled only ten to twelve clubs. Today, forty years later, The FAWCO Foundation's mission is to put into action the interests of FAWCO in the global community by specifically aiding charitable, scientific and educational programs, and by supporting the rights of women and children throughout the world. FAWCO’s philanthropic "heart" is supported by the generous and caring spirit of our members.

What is the FAWCO Foundation?
The FAWCO Foundation is the philanthropic arm of FAWCO. An eight member Board of Directors, each a member of a FAWCO Member Club elected at FAWCO Interim Conferences, oversees the philanthropic efforts and endeavors of FAWCO. Current Administrative Guidelines and Bylaws are posted on The FAWCO Foundation website www.fawcofoundation.org. Incorporated in the State of Missouri in 1967 as a not-for-profit corporation, direct donations are tax exempt in the U.S. to the full extent allowed.

What is an Educational Award?
Since 1972, FAWCO has given out nearly $800,000 in academic awards to members and their children. In 2007, awards were available for undergraduate and graduate studies in the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities for $5,000 each. In addition, the Special Challenges Award of $3,000 is awarded to a student with either a physical challenge or a specific learning disability, and the Dual Cultural Award of $3,000 will enable a bi-cultural high school student to become better acquainted with his or her American heritage. The 2008 Awards information packet and applications were sent via a special E-MAIL in September. This information is also posted on The FAWCO Foundation website. For complete information on submitting applications, please contact The Foundation Awards Chair.

The FAWCO Foundation is pleased to announce the generous donation of $15,000 from Shirley Kearney and the American Women’s Club of Basel, of which Shirley is a member, to the Educational Awards program. The AWC Basel FAWCO Members Award, Sponsored by Shirley L. Kearney is for a member to resume her education at any level, acquire new skills, or enhance an already existing one.

TWO NEW AWARDS for 2008:

PROFESSOR J.V. RICE MEMORIAL ADVANCED STUDIES AWARD sponsored by the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Rice. This award is for advanced degree studies, i.e. Masters, PhD, etc. in the fields of Art, Science, or Humanities. Applicants must have already received a Bachelors degree, or be expected to complete the degree requirements during 2008. The candidate may be of any nationality and may study in any country. $3,000

MARY WALKER MAG HASSE MEMORIAL ASIAN STUDIES AWARD sponsored by family and friends honoring FAWCO President (1965–1969) and The FAWCO Foundation’s First President. The Award is for study in the field of Asian Studies at the undergraduate or graduate level, or in specialized programs at a recognized institution or university. The candidate may be of any nationality and may study in any country.$5,000

What is a Development Grant (DG)?
Club participation is vital to the Development Grant Program and process; DG proposals reflect the issues and concerns of particular importance to FAWCO Member Clubs. The FAWCO Foundation encourages Clubs to submit up to two DG proposals each year. Recipients in each grant category are determined by vote of FAWCO Member Clubs. The strength of this program lies in the access to projects known personally by FAWCO members, and many times supported directly by a Member Club. The DG record was broken in 2007 with 31 DG nominations and 51 Clubs voting for the recipients!

Information and applications will be sent by surface mail, e-mail and posted on the website in late September to early October. For further information please contact The Foundation Development Grants Chair

• New! “Ending HIV/AIDS” DG for projects that will assist in halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS, a UN Millennium Goal, through education, prevention, or treatment.
• The “Around the Corner, A World Away” DG will remain as part of the DG categories in 2008. A study of the FAWCO Member Club profiles submitted for the 2005 Birmingham conference revealed that of the 358 charities supported by FAWCO Member Clubs, 212 were local; that is, in the Clubs’ host city or country. While Clubs can submit host country projects for a DG in any category, The FAWCO Foundation would like to recognize the importance of the hands-on participation by clubs in their local areas.
• In an effort to encourage more FAWCO Member Clubs to submit grant proposals, the 2008 DG grant category descriptions have been broadened. All of the 2008 Development Grants will remain at $3,500 each.
• Please encourage your Club to submit ideas to you for a 2008 DG nomination.

How can FAWCO Reps & RCs get involved with The FAWCO Foundation?
Many Reps and Regional Coordinators have asked the FAWCO Foundation Board how best to get their Clubs interested in the ongoing philanthropic efforts of FAWCO. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Create a quilt square for the FAWCO Friendship Quilt 2009 - "SAVE THE PLANET" for the raffle at the 2009 Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania. Click here for complete quilt square instructions
  
• Share The FAWCO Foundation 40th Anniversary publication with Club members and include excerpts in your Club newsletter. If you need an additional copy, please contact Foundation President, Elsie Bose.
  
• Assist your Club and Member Clubs in your region in submitting up to two proposals for a Development Grant.
  
• Encourage members of your Club and Region to apply for Educational Awards for themselves and/or their children.
  
• Organize a Club event(s) to support the Awards & Development Programs.
  
• Encourage the Club to contribute to the Kids Help "School Supplies" Project. Find out more from Kids Help Chair Ann De Simoni.
  
• Visit The Foundation website www.fawcofoundation.org and include news in your Club newsletter.
  
• Hold a FAWCO Foundation information session. Please contact Elsie, the Foundation President if you need information and ideas.
  
• Contribute an item on behalf of your Club or region to the Silent or Live Auctions held at each FAWCO conference. Contribute an item on behalf of your Club to the Online Auction.
  
• Be a cheerleader! Encourage your members to participate in the ONLINE AUCTION in November. Think super fun, super items and super bowl auction! Bidding is open to the general public. Look for super details right after summer.

Who are the “Friends of The FAWCO Foundation”?
The FAWCO Foundation would like to thank the Member Clubs and individuals who support ongoing philanthropic efforts by becoming donors, patrons, and benefactors ---you are loyal Friends of The FAWCO Foundation!

• By making a minimum contribution of $25 to The Foundation in 2007–2008, Clubs and individuals become "Friends of The FAWCO Foundation". Your support helps maintain a healthy and strong philanthropic program.
  
• A contribution of $1,000+ entitles an individual or Club to sponsor in part a Development Grant or Award (current part sponsors are: Shirley Kearney, AWC of Basel, AWC of The Hague, BWN-Barcelona, AILO Florence, AWC of Luxembourg, AIWC Genoa, AAWE Paris, Chilterns AWC, and AWC Bern.
  
• Donors of $1,000 are invited to sponsor in part a DG or Award:
  2006 sponsored in part DGs were: Care In Crisis DG by AWC Basel, Effects of Violence DG by AWC of The Hague, Healthy Living DG by AWC Stockholm, the 2006 Arts Award by AWG Paris, the Science Award by AIWC Genoa, the Humanities Award by AAWE Paris, and the Dual Cultural Award by AWC Bern.
  
• A contribution of the full amount of an Award or Development Grant entitles an individual or Club to a Title Sponsorship (The AWA of Vienna 2008 Hope Through Education Development Grant).
  
• Memorial Awards or Development Grants may be established. Current Memorial Awards honor Prof. J.V. Rice, husband of FAWCO Counselor Ellen Rice, Gertrude de Gallaix, FAWCO Counselor, Frieda Bacigalupo Natali of AIWC Genoa, and Mary Mag, FAWCO Counselor and founder of The FAWCO Foundation.
  
• Online donation form: make donations to The FAWCO Foundation online. On behalf of the DG & Award recipients, we thank you for your generosity!
  
• Please contact Annual Giving Fund Raising Director for additional information on becoming a “Friend of The FAWCO Foundation”.

The generous support of the Awards and Development Grants by the above named Member Clubs is very much appreciated. Please contact The FAWCO Foundation if you or your Club would like more information on sponsoring a Development Grant or Award. Information about memorials, bequests, and the endowment fund are located on the website.

Thank you for making The FAWCO Foundation part of your philanthropic giving!