WCA Foundation Names New Cohort of Grantee Partners
A cohort of six local organizations serving women will receive unrestricted funding for two years as part of the WCA Foundation’s new approach to grantmaking.
The WCA Foundation, a Signature Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, is pleased to announce its nonprofit partners in the pilot of a new grant program reflecting its commitment to trust-based philanthropy.
“WCA is a volunteer-led group that has served Minnesota women since 1866, and one reason we’ve been around so long is that our members have always been able to adapt, embracing new thinking and responding to community needs as they change over time,” said Stacey Royal, Advisory Board Chair of the WCA Foundation.
“This pilot is one example of how WCA’s grantmaking approach is evolving to better align with the needs and priorities of our nonprofit partners, centering authentic and mutually accountable relationships.”
After adopting a new Strategic Framework, WCA launched the pilot program by approaching a select group of recent grantee partners that are closely aligned with its mission. Each organization will receive $60,000 in general operating support over two years.
Instead of submitting grant reports, the organizations will participate in the pilot program’s developmental evaluation process, which will be time-limited, collaboratively scheduled, and include a stipend.
“This pilot is a way for us to invest in a process that allows WCA members to listen and learn from our partners, and then use those insights to refine the group’s grantmaking programs,” said Julia Ruther, the Minneapolis Foundation’s Program Coordinator for Impact and Collective Giving. “It also reflects WCA’s desire to make a larger, more intentional commitment of grant funds for unrestricted support.”
Photo courtesy of Beyond New Beginnings
Through the pilot program, WCA will roughly double the percentage of its annual grantmaking that is set aside for general operating support.
The cohort includes these nonprofit organizations:
- Beyond New Beginnings
- Cornerstone Advocacy Services
- Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery
- St. Paul and Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project
- Wayside Recovery Center
- Women’s Advocates
“At a time when life-saving resources for victim-survivors of domestic violence are at risk due to a potential 40% cut in federal funding, the support of foundations like WCA is crucial to ensure we can continue providing services for our community,” said Holly Henning, Executive Director of Women’s Advocates. “We are immensely grateful for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of victim-survivors and their children.”
Photo courtesy of Beyond New Beginnings
Another cohort member, Beyond New Beginnings, will use its grant to expand programming that supports families in acquiring self-sufficiency skills that are essential for thriving and living independently. “With this support, we can empower more young moms with the tools and resources needed to enhance their resilience and achieve sustainable success,” said Molly Koivumaki, the organization’s Executive Director.
In addition to this pilot program, the WCA Foundation runs an annual open grant round in the fall that offers project-based support to local organizations serving women. Learn more about WCA and sign up for funding opportunities.
