Women’s Fund aids women in building social capital
June 7, 2024
| By La Crosse Community Foundation |
Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse embodies social capital
In many ways, the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse embodies social capital. For 25 years, the organization has been working to address some of the most pressing challenges facing women and girls in the region — all through relationships with donors and strategic partners.
Both drawing upon and building social capital, the Women’s Fund provides grants to existing social service organizations and agencies to improve women’s and girls’ access to education, housing, employment, health care, and other necessities. And according to Executive Director Sarah Ellingson, the net effect of that work lifts everyone.
How does the Women’s Fund create opportunities for women and girls of all backgrounds to build social capital?
Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse creates opportunities for women and girls to build social capital by fostering networks of support and collaboration through grants, events, and advocacy efforts. Through our grant funding, we invest in programs that address their needs and challenges, and we empower women and girls to participate in decision-making processes, develop leadership skills, and connect with others in their community. By raising awareness and promoting dialogue on gender equality issues, we cultivate a culture of inclusivity and solidarity, strengthening social ties and fostering a sense of belonging.
We fund programs like Mom’s United, where moms from all walks of life come together to discuss their common challenges and celebrate their successes. For some of these mothers, this is their only opportunity to engage with other mothers.
Through these initiatives, we are building a more equitable and resilient society for women and girls in the Greater La Crosse area.
Why is investment in women and girls particularly important?
Nationwide, just 2% of charitable giving goes to programs that support women and girls. Yet women and and girls represent 50% of our population and are more likely to live in poverty, be single parents, be victims of violence and earn less than their male counterparts.
When women and girls have the opportunity to improve their economic position, they can break the cycle of poverty and improve the well-being of entire communities. They thrive and lead healthier families when they have access to proper healthcare and nutrition and have affordable access to transportation, housing, and education. Empowering women and girls to participate in society fully improves their self-sufficiency and our community’s economy.
By investing in women and girls, we create a more equitable future for them and a stronger future for all of us.
How do you use the power of social capital to leverage funds for women and girls?
We harness the power of social capital by cultivating strong relationships and partnerships within the community. Through our events, collaborations with local organizations, our grant-making, and engaging stakeholders and volunteers, we build trust and credibility among like-minded community members who believe in the power of possibility for women and girls.
Through annual events like our Fall Luncheon, we create opportunities to unite our community and amplify feminine stories. We foster an understanding of the feminine experience and inspire attendees to join us in promoting a better future for women and girls through advocacy and philanthropic support.
By engaging with individuals, leaders and organizations with first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing women and girls in our community, we are able to better align our funding with initiatives that will positively impact women and girls.