We are the women of the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund.
We are a group of socially minded women of all ages and from all walks of life who are pooling our dollars to make grants that benefit women and girls during challenging times. Working together, we are leveraging our dollars to have a greater impact on the lives of women and girls than what any of us could do on our own.
- Together we are pooling our money,
- Together we are deciding where we give our money,
- Together we are learning about our community and philanthropy, and
- Together we are meeting the health needs of women and girls in Southeast Kansas.
What We Do
Working together, empowering each other, and learning are the key strategies for the members of the Women’s Health Fund. We are stronger together than as individuals when giving and learning together to accomplish our mission.
We have been a part of the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas since 2007. Our Women’s Giving Circle endowed fund allows us to have money in perpetuity to financially support nonprofit programs that benefit women and girls. Our Circle of Friends Giving Circle non-endowed fund allows us to welcome all women to be philanthropists by investing immediately in nonprofit programs to help women and girls. To date, we have given over 100 grants totaling more than $350,000 to nonprofits that focus on our mission:
To improve the health and well-being of women by supporting education, increasing awareness and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.
Our two giving circles are also a great way for members to meet new friends with similar interests!
Join the Women’s Health Fund
As a member of the Women’s Health Fund you will:
- Collaborate with other women who want to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in our region.
- Be a part of creating a legacy for women in Southeast Kansas.
- Support and promote healthy lives for women.
- Develop a deeper and better philanthropic experience.
- Meet new friends and socialize!
You can join the Women’s Health Fund by joining either the Women’s Giving Circle or the Circle of Friends Giving Circle. Keep reading for more information about each.
Women’s Giving Circle
Annual Contribution: $2,000
The Women’s Giving Circle welcomes all women with the desire to support and promote healthy lives for women in need. Our desire is to build an endowed fund that will ensure granting into perpetuity. Of each $2,000 annual membership contribution, $1,000 is applied to the endowed fund, and $1,000 is immediately available for grants. The Women’s Giving Circle considers nonprofit organizations’ grant requests of more than $2,000.
Circle of Friends Giving Circle
Annual Contribution: $250
The Circle of Friends Giving Circle welcomes all women with the desire to support and promote healthy lives for women in need. This fund is immediately invested in grants to improve the lives of women and girls. The Circle of Friends Giving Circle considers nonprofit organizations’ grant requests of up to $2,000.
Women’s Health Fund Membership Form
To join or renew your membership, fill out and submit the form below. From there, you’ll be redirected to Stripe.com to make your membership contribution. Once you’re done, you’ll be returned to this page, and a payment receipt will be sent to you at the email address you enter.
Want to Learn More?
Read our latest Circle Conversations newsletter!
Contact Sherri Stephens with any questions.