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What makes VWF unique?
Founded by women with a vision to empower women, our foundation now brings together women, men, and community partners who share a commitment to creating change. We are grateful for generous support from organizations such as The Beaches Charity Fund, the Ed & Dolly Lynch Foundation, and Empower Women + Girls. By uniting people and organizations, we broaden our reach, strengthen our mission and deepen our impact.
Unlike most nonprofit organizations, we don't host fundraising events, golf tournaments, galas or auctions. Instead, we gather for one annual luncheon — to celebrate impact, share stories of resilience and honor the women who inspire us.
Our Mission
The Vancouver Women's Foundation was built on the belief that countless women have the means to help other women who, for reasons often beyond their control, find themselves in need of support. Together, we create change that uplifts lives, restores dignity and builds lasting stability for women in Southwest Washington — proving that both the giver and receiver are empowered through the act of philanthropy.
A Quick Overview
Funding Criteria
- Is the need one-time in nature?
- Will support help the applicant move towards self-sufficiency?
- Have all other options been exhausted?
- Are we the last resort?
- What are the consequences if we don’t help?
- Is this a prudent use of the Foundation’s funds?
How Our Grants Work
Who We Help
→ Women, and many case their children, living in Southwest Washington
→ Those with urgent, one-time needs
→ Women who have exhausted all other resources
→ Applicants without an employable partner or able-bodied adult in the household
How to Apply
→ Grant Applications must be submitted on behalf of the applicant by a caseworker, social service provider or professional who has worked with her for at least 30 days
→ Approved grants are paid directly to third-party goods and service providers (e.g., landlords, retailers, mechanics, etc.) and never to the applicant
Our Review Process
→ Applications are reviewed by the Vancouver Women's Foundation Grants Committee, a volunteer group of members
→ The Grants Committee meets twice per month, or as needed for urgent cases
→ Funding decisions are based on criteria that ensure support leads to sustainability and self-sufficiency
Why We Exist
Known as the "8 D's", these threats are death, divorce, domestic violence, desertion, disability, disease, drugs and downsizing. Women in Southwest Washington are no exception. Although our community has grown, prosperity has not reached all women. Nationwide, a large majority of people living in poverty are women, and many working women struggle to meet their basic needs. This is why Vancouver Women’s Foundation exists: to meet those needs one woman at a time.
Examples of Support
Support We Fund
- Mortgage/rent assistance for single mothers
- Prosthetics and medical procedures
- Car repairs and new tires
- Move-in costs and deposits for housing
- Specialized car seats for children with disabilities
- Dental care and dentures
- Air conditioners for women with health conditions
- Gift cards, supplies and technology for rebuilding stability
Support We Decline
- Car purchases
- Debt repayment or personal loans
- Applicants with domestic partners or employable household members
- Incomplete or inaccurate applications
- Requests where sustainability is not achievable (e.g., ongoing rent without stable income)
- Extravagant or avoidable expenses
VWF Membership
We exist because of women like you.
Annual membership is $2,025
Dues increase by $1 on January 1 of each year.
Beyond Membership
Donations
Your donation — whether one-time or recurring — joins with others to restore dignity, stability and independence for women in our community. By giving, you also become part of something greater: a network of caring individuals proving that both giver and receiver are empowered through philanthropy.
Partnerships
We extend our impact through strong community partnerships. We're grateful to the dozens of local businesses and organizations that provide in-kind or discounted goods and services to help us serve women in crisis. If your company wants to become a partner in our mission, please reach out today!
Governance & Structure
→ All funds are held in the Vancouver Women's Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
→ The Grants Committee reviews requests, approves funding and ensures payments go directly to goods and service providers.
→ We are efficient, transparent and focused — every membership dollar goes directly toward changing lives.
Let's Join Forces for Women
Philanthropy is most powerful when our whole community — women, men and partner organizations — come together to empower women. At Vancouver Women’s Foundation, every gift is combined with others to create lasting change. Together, we restore dignity, foster independence and open doors of opportunity for women in Southwest Washington.