2012 Grant Partners
Blueprint for Winning Academy
50-50 in 2020
The organization's goal is to help women obtain fifty percent of Iowa legislative and congressional positions and the office of governor by 2020, the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States. In that effort, the 2-day “Blueprint for Winning” program will provide information and training to female candidates running for the Iowa Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives in 2012. After attending sessions on topics such as forming a campaign committee, fundraising and defining their campaign message, candidates will leave with an individualized “blueprint” which will help guide her through the campaign. In addition, each candidate will be paired with a current office-holder to shadow as well as a female mentor from her party who can give advice during the campaign. After the election, two follow-up sessions will be held: one for those who win, who will receive tools on how to work effectively in public office; another who those who are not elected, to provide an analysis and plans for winning the next election.
Location/Service Area: Statewide
Amount: $2,500
Women with Initiative
United Way of Story County
After many conversations with local organizations and community leaders, United Way of Story County (UWSC) found that a lack of financial literacy was a major obstacle for women trying to achieve self-sufficiency. To remedy this problem, UWSC launched Women with Initiative, a program designed to provide financial education and counseling to at-risk and elderly women in a safe and non-threatening environment. UWSC has partnered with Iowa State University Extension to create classes on multiple topics, including budgeting, evaluating loans and understanding credit. In addition, the program will pair participants with community mentors to help the women apply new skills. Once women have completed the program, they will also have the chance to apply for four scholarships, which will enable them to continue their education.
Location/Service Area: Story County, IA
Amount: $2,500
Minor Sex-Trafficking Awareness Training
Braking Traffik
Although hundreds of thousands of minors are trafficked every year, the issue remains largely unknown in Iowa. When young girls are arrested for prostitution, they are viewed as criminals rather than children in need who are not old enough to consent to have sex. The program will work to educate the community and local organizations, such as law enforcement and social services, in order to help them view these girls as victims rather than delinquents. Other areas of training will include strategies on how to identify and respond to victims. The project will raise awareness by working with the media and attending community events that focus on advocacy for children, women, and/or abuse. The Human Trafficking Project will work to pass Senate Bill S. 596, the “Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act,” which seeks to establish a grant program to benefit minors who are victims of sex trafficking.
Location/Service Area: Scott County, IA
Amount: $5,000
SEJH After-School Girl's Dance Club
InterDance
During a time when schools have greatly reduced funding for the fine arts, after-school programs are the only way many schools can expose their students to the arts. This dance program at Southeast Junior High will provide a place where girls can express themselves and build confidence, and is an alternative to competitive sports, sedentary habits, and unsafe street activities. Students will take classes once a week and learn elements of dance, technique and choreography. The dance club also intends to perform at multiple venues, including school assemblies, senior centers, and the Sand in the City Festival. The girls will be able to build leadership skills while preparing for performances through choosing music, developing choreography and designing costumes.
Location/Service Area: Johnson County, IA
Amount: $1,500
Women Taking Charge
Quakerdale
For high school girls who do not participate in sports or fine arts programs, there are few constructive leadership development opportunities available in Hardin County. Women Taking Charge will provide up to 40 girls at South Hardin High School with the resources to discuss women’s issues and enact social change. In bi-monthly meetings, the girls will learn about local and global women’s issues while learning more about the trials and triumphs of women. Each participant will be responsible for developing a “take charge” group advocacy plan which they can conduct in their own community. The inaugural session of the program will run from January to May 2012. For second cycle of the program, which will begin in August 2012, the first cycle graduates will have the chance to serve as peer mentors and help other girls develop their own advocacy plans.
Location/Service Area: Hardin County, IA
Amount: $1,500
Financial Literacy & Economic Stability
Angel House
As a part of their efforts to help women recover from addictions and lead responsible, happy, and productive lives, the Financial Literacy Program will provide graduates of Angel House with financial knowledge and resources to utilize once they leave the house to live on their own. Residents will receive training on job seeking and employment, and they will spend time throughout the week applying for work, developing their profiles, and following up on referrals. Angel House staff will provide residents with transportation to interviews and job skills training. In addition, the women will attend classes on financial budgeting and set up savings accounts into which they will deposit 30% of their paychecks. By the end of the program, Angel House hopes to help women become employable and work towards obtaining permanent jobs and homes.
Location/Service Area: Blackhawk County, IA
Amount: $2,000
Skylark Scholarships
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence
With this grant, Skylark Project seeks to expand its services to improve incarcerated survivors' economic security through higher education. Skylark Scholarships will fund ten $500 scholarships, enabling students to receive college education or technical training. The scholarships will cover tuition, books, printing, postage, and school supply costs for one class for each woman. With support services like tutoring and goal-tracking, Skylark will help students succeed. Advanced education will help the scholarship recipients heal from the damage of past abuse and also reduce their vulnerability to abuse in the future. When an abuse survivor succeeds in her education, she starts to unlearn the degrading, debasing messages she received from her batterer; she improves her sense of self-worth. In addition, advanced education makes her more competitive in the job market, increasing her chances of financial independence. The scholarships will complement other support services by Skylark Project to help the women realize their own strength, value, and ability to succeed.
Location/Service Area: Statewide
Amount: $5,000