September 2023

News on September 15th!

We are excited to announce that this year's annual Celebrate Women Luncheon, our largest fundraiser, will be held Friday, September 15th, at Stone Harbor Resort beginning at 11:30. Doors open at 10:45. This year's theme is "Women Who Carry the Light." Lyricist, playwright, and Northern Sky performer Lachrisa Grandberry is this year's keynote speaker. In her exuberant way, she will talk about inspirational women who have positively impacted her life and her enthusiasm for the next generation of storytellers who will expand creative opportunities for all. Grandberry will offer a personal perspective by alluding to the pivotal role other women played in helping to light her way.

Prior to the luncheon is a complimentary "Foster Care in Door County" panel discussion from 10-11 a.m., with doors opening at 9:30. The number of seats is limited. Moderator Cori McFarlane will host panelists Sydney Tlachac, Director of Social and Emotional Learning for the Boys' and Girls' Club, along with Dori Goddard, Door County's Health and Human Services Children and Families Manager. In addition to these two panelists, a local foster care parent will offer a closer look at Door County's foster care system.

Raffle tickets may be purchased at the event, and in addition to the keynote address, there will be comments from recent Women's Fund of Door County grant recipients. Proceeds from the luncheon enable us to continue our impactful work focusing on the education, empowerment, and economic stability of women and girls throughout Door County. "When SHE thrives, we all prosper!"

Our Spring Grants at Work!

At the Altrusa Back to School Fair this August, the grant received from the Women's Fund helped provide backpacks, toiletries, socks, books, certificates for new athletic shoes, and various school supplies to 251 students.  Altrusa is a community service organization whose service projects focus on literacy and addressing human needs. According to Board of Directors' member and grant liaison Peg Wepner,  "The Altrusa Back to School Fair provides students with appropriate supplies. The event is a fun-filled day of esteem building for the children so they can feel good about starting the new school year. Altrusa greatly appreciates the grant received from the Women's Fund of Door County. Together we are helping young girls succeed in their education and in building a brighter future."

Crossroads at Big Creek, Inc., with help from the Women's Fund of Door County, is thrilled to have the funds to benefit from a skilled female historian to help with research and archaeological digs, and to serve as a role model for young girls interested in science.  According to Coggin Heeringa, Interpretive Naturalist, "Crossroads was able to hire Michaela Kraft for our Spring Archaeological Experience and were pleased that both girls and boys at the elementary and middle school level were able to work under Michaela's direction."                    

Grant Program Priorities Refined

The Women’s Fund of Door County, a component fund of the Door County Community Foundation, is accepting grant applications for its fall cycle until Monday, September 18th.

The Women’s Fund Community Grants, previously known as the Women’s Fund Sustainability Grants, support projects that provide education and information, build self-esteem, support solutions for critical issues, and are research-based and data-driven. Additional special consideration may be given to projects that address one or more of the following:

• Prioritize women and girls
• Support those with fewer opportunities by removing barriers
• Are inclusive and engage diverse populations
• Are innovative and offer a new or unique approach to addressing women’s issues
• Provide education and result in long-lasting impact

There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, but the Women’s Fund anticipates awarding multiple grants during each Community Grant cycle typically averaging $5,000.



Nonprofits and other charities may apply by submitting the Community Foundation’s Common Grant Application and Addendum W, found on the Women’s Fund’s website. Please reach out to the Community Foundation’s Philanthropic Services team at grants@givedoorcounty.org or (920)746-1786.                 

New Board Member Spotlight: Ashley Schanock

For nearly two decades, Ashley Schanock has been recognized as a leading expert in the matchmaking industry. Her portfolio of Client successes has led her to become a Senior Director of Client Services for Selective Search. Ashley was tapped as the company spokesperson for various tv news and podcast interviews. She recently stepped away from working full time to focus on her two young children while spearheading “The Playground Project at Otumba Park.” Still, Ashley works on a free-lance basis doing sales and media relations.

Ashley graduated Cum Laude from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. Ashley hosted Blackhawks TV and was an Ice Crew member. Some of her career highlights include reporting for Spectrum News 1 (Wisconsin), Station Host for NBC 5 (Chicago), Celebrity Reporter for the USA Network (NYC) and intern at Entertainment Tonight (Los

Angeles.)

Ashley is a proud SAG member.