Women's Gift Alliance marks 10 years of giving
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 11 years, 2 months AGO
<p>Philana McInnis, grant administrator for the Womens Gift Alliance, speaks to attendees at the philanthropic organization's 10th anniversary celebration held recently at the Hagadone Event Center.</p>
The Women's Gift Alliance, after 10 years of giving to Kootenai County nonprofits, marked the occasion with an anniversary celebration.
More than 110 people attended the event at the Hagadone Event Center.
According to its mission statement, WGA "pools the talents and resources of women in Kootenai County to provide meaningful financial support to a broad range of charitable, cultural and educational projects within our community."
Since its inception in 2004, WGA has provided more than $850,000 in grant funds to community nonprofits.
Grants are directed toward projects which have a significant impact in the community, demonstrating one or more of the following criteria: create a bold new venture, address a significant community need, foster collaboration and partnerships, or enrich the fabric of our community.
Each year, WGA members contribute funds which are pooled, allowing this dynamic group of women to fund projects submitted by local nonprofits with large grants. A portion of the membership fee is deposited into an endowment fund which totals more than $325,000, and smaller grants are given from this fund. All funds go to Kootenai County nonprofit organizations.
The first grant of $26,000 was awarded to Kootenai County Search and Rescue, which is now a department of the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. Over the next few years as membership in the WGA grew, so did the amount of grants awarded. Two grants of more than $27,000 each were awarded in 2014. One went to Children's Village and the other went to On Site for Seniors.
Anchor House, Heritage Health, Union Gospel Mission and Hospice of North Idaho were each awarded $25,000 in 2012 and 2013. Other recipients have included Lakes Magnet Middle School, Specialized Needs Recreation, Fresh Start, the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, Family Promise of North Idaho, The Women's Center, CASA, Post Falls Food Bank, TESH, Project Safe Place and Coeur d'Alene Homes.
To learn more about The Women's Gift Alliance, including a review of the grant criteria and process visit its website at www.wgakc.org.