The Women and Philanthropy Network at the University of Kentucky recently awarded $217,342 to six academic initiatives at UK. This brings their lifetime grants to $2,484,392.
The Women and Philanthropy Network was formed in 2007 to motivate and foster women as leaders, donors and advocates for UK. This group of women created a new culture of service and philanthropy through their gifts of time, talent and resources, all in support of UK students.
Individuals contribute $1,000 annually (or $500 for women age 40 and under), then pool that money to award grants that further research, provide scholarships, fund creative programs and train future leaders. Colleges and programs are invited to submit proposals and members vote on which proposals to fund.
"The selection process for the UK Women and Philanthropy Network academic grants is rigorous and competitive," said Lisa Atkinson, executive director of Philanthropic Engagement with UK Philanthropy. "Each proposal is thoroughly reviewed by the membership and evaluated on its merits of supporting the academic mission of the university, creativity and innovation, and demonstrating measurable student academic outcomes. We commend each award winner and thank all who submitted a proposal. They were all excellent."
Grant funds were awarded to support the following proposals:
College of Nursing – The Agriculture Nursing Scholars Program for Kentucky Rural Health and Wellness, $50,000
College of Public Health – Champions for Prevention, $30,000
College of Dentistry – Professional Education Preparation: Discover Modern Dentistry, $ 7,000
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment – UK Cooperative Extension Summer Internships; A Model for Community Engagement and Employment, $50,000
College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering – Engineering Sustainable Solutions to the Plastic Waste Crisis by Bridging Disciplinary Divides, $35,000
College of Communication and Information – Removing Barriers to Graduation for Underrepresented Minority Students, $45,342
For more information concerning the University of Kentucky Women & Philanthropy Network, please contact Atkinson at UK Philanthropy, William B. Sturgill Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0015; 859-257-7885 or lisa.atkinson@uky.edu.
To follow the work and activities of the network on Facebook, go to www.facebook.com/UKWomenandPhilanthropy/