Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) Grants

Women Investing in Shepherd (WISH) Grants

Purpose: Provides grant funding to qualifying local nonprofits and Shepherd University learning projects.

Established: Created in 2014 by the Shepherd University Foundation and a volunteer steering committee from Women for Shepherd University.

Organization Details:

Women's giving circle comprised of both alumnae and community members

Sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation

Created to educate, engage, and empower women to achieve their philanthropic goals

Grant Pool:

Total annual grant pool typically $51,250 total

Typically split with approximately 50% for Shepherd University learning projects and 50% for regional nonprofits

Up to two equal grants of $25,625 in each category (nonprofit and Shepherd learning projects)

Eligible Applicants - Regional Nonprofit Organizations:

Must have current 501(c)(3) determination from IRS

Must be based in or primarily serving the following counties:

- West Virginia: Jefferson, Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire
- Virginia: Frederick, Clarke, Loudoun
- Maryland: Frederick, Washington

Focus areas: education, arts and culture, community and family, health and wellness, and/or environment

Eligible Applicants - Shepherd University Learning Projects:

Must be recognized as an approved academic, athletic, cultural, or community service program

Carried out by students, faculty, and/or staff

Must be sanctioned by the supervising Vice President or Dean

Selection Criteria:

Responses to urgent and critical needs

Bold new ventures

New approaches to ongoing challenges

Applicants must show need for use of this high-impact amount in a time span no greater than three (3) years

Recent Examples:

2015: Panhandle Home Health, Inc. received $26,250 for Wound Care Initiative; Seeding the Future Initiative at Shepherd received $26,250 for STEM engagement

Contact:

Monica Lingenfelter, Executive Vice President

304-876-5397

[email protected]

Meg Peterson, Account and Project Manager

304-876-5021

[email protected]