GFWC Women's Club of South County Awards Grants

Representatives of dozens of South County’s nonprofit groups gathered at Spain Restaurant in early December to receive grant checks from the GFWC Women’s Club of South County to help further their charitable work.

“This year’s grant list is a who’s who of local organizations that provide crucial support to our residents in need,” said Kim Hanson, one of the club’s two co-presidents. The grant recipients for 2018 range from agencies that feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, to programs aimed at combating domestic violence, assisting veterans, conserving open spaces, tutoring school children, and preserving local history. Altogether, 26 organizations received a total of $22,400 from the Women’s Club, which raises the funds for the program through its popular Book & Author Luncheon held each year in July.

The 2018 luncheon raised a record amount, according to one of the club members who co-leads the committee that solicits and evaluates the Grow Hope Community Grants Initiative proposals. “We thank profusely our attendees who purchase event and raffle tickets, the individuals and businesses who donate prizes for our raffle, and our sponsors, all of whom give generously to make the grants possible,” said Diana Crane. “It’s always difficult to select those organizations that will receive our grants, as the need for assistance in our community is so great.”

“We are already working to do more in 2019,” WCSC’s other co-president Mary Grace Varnum said. “Our club has a dedicated group of women who work hard to improve our community, and they aim high. Everyone hopes that we can fund even more initiatives next year at higher amounts.” All proceeds from the Book & Author event are redistributed within the community through the Grow Hope Community Grants as well as through scholarships for women in need.

The GFWC WCSC solicits grant applications from South County nonprofit organizations in the summer for the Grow Hope awards which are made in December. Grants range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. To be eligible, organizations must have 501 (c) (3) status and initiatives aimed at improving life for southern Rhode Islanders in one of four areas: arts, conservation, education, and social services.

The GFWC Women’s Club of South County, itself a 501 (c) (3) organization, has, for more than fifty years brought together women of diverse backgrounds to provide community support through volunteerism. To learn more about the activities of the GFWC Women’s Club of South County, to join, or to donate, visit www.gfwcri.org and click on GFWC South County, call (401) 287-4392, or mail the club at PO Box 5684, Wakefield, RI 02880.