3rd ‘100 Women Who Care’ luncheon awards $15,000 to local nonprofits
JACKSON, Tenn. — The Community Foundation of West Tennessee awarded $15,000 in grants to two local nonprofits Thursday at the 3rd Annual 100 Women Who Care: West Tennessee Awards Luncheon at First United Methodist Church in Jackson.
The event brought together women from across the region to hear from local nonprofits, vote on their favorites, and award grant money on the spot.
The initiative received 31 funding applications in January from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and funds of the Foundation. A committee of members reviewed and scored proposals, narrowing the pool to three finalists in both a small and large nonprofit category.
Small nonprofit finalists were Carroll County Rescue Squad, Rotary Heart and Sole Fund, and YoungLives. Large nonprofit finalists were Aspell Recovery, Hannah’s Hope, and United Way of West Tennessee.
During the luncheon, each finalist presented its mission and funding proposal to members, who then voted to determine one grant recipient in each category. The grants are funded entirely through member contributions.
Grant recipients
Carroll County Rescue Squad received a $5,000 grant in the small nonprofit category to install a free Lifejacket Loan Station at Lake Halford.
“We’re going to build and provide a life jacket loaner station so anybody that doesn’t know how to swim — that feels that they want to be on the water but they’re uncomfortable — they’ll be able to wear a life jacket,” said Curt Taylor, captain of the Carroll County Rescue Squad. “They’ll be able to feel safe. This isn’t just for adults, we’re going to provide life jackets for children. All sizes of life jackets and even some for some pets.”
Hannah’s Hope received a $10,000 grant in the large nonprofit category to provide parenting supplies, including a diaper bag stocked with diapers, wipes, a baby toiletry kit, outlet covers, a Safe Sleep Kit, an infant car seat, and Safe Feeding and Breastfeeding supplies.
“100 Women Who Care continues to inspire me because it shows the heart of our community,” said Melissa Spurgeon, CEO of the Community Foundation of West Tennessee. “This program creates an inviting and meaningful way for women to step into philanthropy together. When women unite around causes that they care about, they strengthen our region and turn generosity into real impact.”
The Community Foundation of West Tennessee was established in 1985 and works to strengthen the health and well-being of the region through support of the arts, education, healthcare, and other causes.
For more news in the Jackson area, click here.
