Harrisburg, PA – The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 25th anniversary of its special initiative, the Fund for Women & Girls (FWG). Since its inception in 2000, FWG has been a beacon of hope, providing critical support to women and girls in our community.

As TFEC approaches this milestone in 2025, they are focused on achieving a significant goal: reaching the $1 million mark in the endowment fund.

“Reaching the $1 million endowment goal is not just a milestone but a commitment to ensuring long-term support for women and girls in our community. This fund will provide sustainable resources for the vital work being done by nonprofits in central Pennsylvania,” said Caitlin Cluck, director of community investment at TFEC.

Over the past 24 years, the Fund for Women & Girls has demonstrated the power of collective philanthropy, empowering nonprofit organizations to address pressing issues affecting women and girls. This milestone is a testament to the generosity of our community and the dedication of our volunteer committee members, whose passion and advocacy have been instrumental in raising awareness and driving change. 

TFEC’s Fund for Women & Girls: Making a Tangible Impact in Our Community

Since its inception, FWG has granted more than $455,000 to nonprofit organizations, positively impacting the lives of over 17,000 women and girls in the region. In 2023 alone, FWG awarded $60,000 to local nonprofits dedicated to addressing issues faced by women and girls.

Among the 2023 grant recipients was Bridge of Hope Harrisburg Area, which received $5,000 for rental assistance for single mothers and their children facing homelessness. This nonprofit provides a long-term, holistic program to help these families secure and maintain safe, sustainable housing. The program offers a permanent solution to homelessness through partnerships with landlords, case management and community volunteers.

One participant shared her experience: “I’m never the person to ask for help. I always made everything happen with just the little bit of money I had and made sure my children were well taken care of. When I found the Bridge of Hope program, it’s been blessing me since. Just having people believe in you...you can do anything you put your mind to. The Bridge of Hope program is a wonderful opportunity, and I met some wonderful people who love me and my kids as if we we’re family.”

Among the 2023 grant recipients were:

Boys and Girls Club of Central PA
$4,000 for the SMART Girls program, enhancing self-esteem and education for girls in three age groups.

Brethren Housing Association
$4,000 to support their Transitions Program, providing housing and services to single mothers experiencing homelessness.

Healthy Steps Diaper Bank
$6,000 to combat diaper need and period poverty in South Central Pennsylvania.

Girls on the Run Mid State PA
$4,000 for The Confidence Suite, a program focusing on adolescent girls' physical and mental well-being.

A complete list of grant recipients can be found on the TFEC website.

These grants underscore the FWG’s commitment to empowering women and girls by ensuring their safety, meeting their basic needs and providing opportunities to pursue their dreams.

Preparing for the Future

As TFEC approaches the 25th anniversary of FWG, it is planning to streamline its volunteer and committee structure to continue advancing its mission with renewed focus, with the grant-making committee remaining the only active FWG committee. This will ensure continued community impact through the annual grant program. We will celebrate the final Power of the Purse event in 2024, and in 2025, TFEC will move to a single special event to celebrate the Fund’s mission and impact on the community.

TFEC extends heartfelt thanks to every volunteer committee member who has contributed their time, passion and advocacy over the past 24 years. Your steadfast commitment has been instrumental in raising awareness of the needs of women and girls in our community and driving meaningful change.

Moving forward, TFEC will continue to encourage community members to join the Dream Team at various giving levels, helping to sustain and expand its impact. We are excited to explore new and engaging ways to support and connect with women and girls in our region, ensuring that the Fund’s remarkable work continues to flourish.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate advocates for women and girls in our community, and we look forward to carrying this mission forward together,” said Jennifer Doyle, president and CEO at TFEC.

The $1 Million Goal

To meet the Fund’s $1 million endowment goal, TFEC aims to raise $300,000 by December 31, 2025. Achieving this target will ensure a sustainable annual grant fund of $50,000–$60,000 to support nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls.

“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us in celebrating the incredible impact of FWG. Events like the Power of the Purse showcase how collective philanthropy can drive real change, and we look forward to continuing this legacy with the support of our passionate advocates,” said Doyle.

We invite the community to join us in this mission by attending our signature event, Power of the Purse, on Oct. 18 at Hershey Lodge. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of women and girls in our community.

For more information about TFEC and its initiatives, please visit TFEC’s website.