Our Programs

Your Projects, Your Passion, Your Foundation

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.

Development Grant (DG)s

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. The recipient in each grant category is 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 FAWCO Foundation Development Grant Fund program has awarded over $200,000 to 72 charitable projects in over 30 countries worldwide. To learn all about our Development Grants Program, please see our Development Grants page.  If you have a question about submitting nominations, please contact The Foundation Development Grant Administrator.

Education Awards

Since 1972, FAWCO has given out nearly $800,000 in academic awards to members and their children. Since 2007, awards have been 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.  To learn all about Education Awards, and to see this year's available awards, you can see our Education Awards page. If you have a question about submitting applications, please contact The Foundation Awards Program Administrator.

The Counselors “Volunteer of the Year” Award

The FAWCO Foundation pays tribute to the leadership and spirit of dedication of the former FAWCO, FAWCO Foundation and FAUSA presidents by dedicating the “Volunteer of the Year Award” to them.  This award is given to a FAWCO Club member whose energy and commitment as a volunteer has made a difference in her club and community.  The recipient’s Club will receive $1,000 to be donated to the Club philanthropic program(s) of the recipient’s choice.

The Target Water Project

FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation are announcing a four-year program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and to the world.  The FAWCO Target Program is a focused strategy of education and project fundraising that will help to highlight an issue and look for ways to solve the problem and in doing so assist in attaining the UN Millennium Goals.

To Learn more, please see the Target Project page.