Willmar Area Women's Fund

Willmar Area Women's Fund The Women's Fund is an initiative of the Willmar Area Community Foundation and focuses on supporting programs that serve women.

The Willmar Area Women's Fund seeks to support and enhance the lives of women and girls facing challenges in the Kandiyohi County area. Our vision is to empower girls and women to find their voices. Through our annual campaigns and donor-advised fund, we have been able to make several grants to local organizations that empower and serve women. Local community members comprise several committees that make up the Women's Fund. For more information or to get involved, please send us an email!

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to Safe Avenues to support its ongoing work serving surv...
06/20/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to Safe Avenues to support its ongoing work serving survivors of domestic violence.

This funding will provide general operating support, helping Safe Avenues assist survivors as they secure safety, stable housing, and other basic needs. These resources allow the organization to respond to complex situations with flexibility and care, meeting individuals where they are on their journey toward healing and stability.

We’re proud to invest in the essential work Safe Avenues does every day to support survivors and strengthen our community.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) for its ‘U...
06/18/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) for its ‘UCAP Family Connections’ project.

This program provides follow-up services for families involved in child protection, including check-ins, home visits, referrals, resources, and prevention services. By offering continued support and connection, Family Connections helps strengthen families and reduce reentry into child protection services.

We’re pleased to support this proactive approach to family stability and well-being, helping families access the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to Woodland Centers for its pilot project, ‘Quiet Courag...
06/16/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $10,000 grant to Woodland Centers for its pilot project, ‘Quiet Courage Retreat’.

Quiet Courage is a restorative retreat designed for young women navigating trauma, providing a safe space for healing, reflection, and growth. Through powerful storytelling, meaningful connections, and self-care practices, participants will find hope, build resilience, and rediscover their strengths.

We’re honored to support this innovative approach to trauma-informed care and the opportunities it creates for young women to heal, connect, and thrive.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $5,000 grant to PACT for Families Collaborative for its Building Resil...
06/13/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $5,000 grant to PACT for Families Collaborative for its Building Resilient Communities project: a trauma-informed mental health training initiative.

Through this project, more community members will gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognize and respond to trauma, de-escalate situations, and connect youth and families with appropriate support resources.

We’re excited to support PACT’s efforts to expand trauma-informed practices throughout our region and help build a stronger network of care for children, families, and communities across Kandiyohi County.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $1,500 grant to the Willmar Area Learning Center in support of its Car...
06/11/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to award a $1,500 grant to the Willmar Area Learning Center in support of its Care Closet program.

The Care Closet provides essential resources such as hygiene items, food, and clothing to students experiencing trauma and instability—helping ensure students have access to the basic necessities they need to learn and thrive.

We’re grateful for the compassionate work the ALC is doing to support youth in Kandiyohi County and are honored to partner in this important effort.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund would like to extend our sincere gratitude to two outgoing Steering Committee members for ...
06/09/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund would like to extend our sincere gratitude to two outgoing Steering Committee members for their years of service, leadership, and dedication.

Thank you to Laura Orsten, who served for six years and was Chair of the Messaging & Marketing Committee. She helped share the mission and impact of the Women’s Fund with our community.

Thank you as well to LuAnn Sieben, who served for six years on the Donor Engagement Committee, and helped build relationships and strengthen support for the work of the Women’s Fund.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, talent, and heart both Laura and LuAnn have invested in the Women’s Fund. Their contributions have helped shape and strengthen WAWF in meaningful ways.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Willmar Area Women’s Fund 2026 Caring for Women Campaign Kickoff! It was an inspi...
06/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the Willmar Area Women’s Fund 2026 Caring for Women Campaign Kickoff! It was an inspiring evening of connection, celebration, and learning more about the impact being made across Kandiyohi County through the Women’s Fund.

We were grateful to hear from Lutheran Social Services and to spend the evening alongside so many supporters who care deeply about strengthening our community.

We also had a surprise up our sleeves! Guests helped announce the 2026 grant recipients, with a guest from each table revealing the grant awards. Be watching our page as we continue sharing those announcements in the coming days!

As we launch our 2026 campaign, we invite you to be part of this work. Thanks to the generosity of our Steering Committee members, the first $10,000 donated will be matched.

Your support helps the Women’s Fund continue investing in organizations and initiatives that strengthen safety, stability, and opportunity for women and children in Kandiyohi County.

Ways to Give:
Mail: Make checks payable to the Willmar Area Women’s Fund and mail to the Willmar Area Community Foundation:
1601 East Highway 12, Suite 9
Willmar, MN 56201

Online:
1. Visit communitygiving.org/donate
2. Type in your allotted contribution and choose Willmar Women’s Fund for your designation from the list.
3. Click continue and follow the prompts to complete.

Join us for an inspiring evening at the 2026 Caring for Women Campaign Kickoff!Connect, celebrate, and learn how the fun...
05/17/2026

Join us for an inspiring evening at the 2026 Caring for Women Campaign Kickoff!

Connect, celebrate, and learn how the funds raised by the WAWF are making an impact across our County. Enjoy amazing appetizers, beverages, and an inspiring guest presentation from Lutheran Social Services.

O’Neil’s Event Center, Spicer
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
5–7 PM
Presentation begins at 6 PM

Bring a guest and join us!
Register by May 26. RSVP at bit.ly/3Po0Qt9 or call 320-235-4380.

As we recognize teachers this month, we’re honored to reflect on the legacy of Elaine Adams—a lifelong educator and a fo...
05/03/2026

As we recognize teachers this month, we’re honored to reflect on the legacy of Elaine Adams—a lifelong educator and a foundational force behind the Willmar Area Women’s Fund.

Elaine spent more than 50 years teaching mathematics, shaping generations of students and earning a reputation as “everyone’s favorite teacher.” She believed deeply in the power of education, community, and investing in others.

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. With a visionary gift that helped launch the Women’s Fund, Elaine played a pivotal role in creating what has become a lasting source of support for women and families in Kandiyohi County. She believed in the power of philanthropy—and in the importance of encouraging others, especially women, to step into that role.

Elaine’s generosity, foresight, and commitment to community continue to inspire the work we do today. Her legacy is a powerful reminder that one person can truly make a lasting difference.

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to support the CommUNITY Closet with a $1,500 grant to purchase a washer and drye...
04/24/2026

The Willmar Area Women’s Fund is proud to support the CommUNITY Closet with a $1,500 grant to purchase a washer and dryer.

CommUNITY Closet provides donated clothing to individuals and families in our community—and thoughtfully washes each item before making it available. This investment will strengthen their ability to offer clean, accessible clothing while meeting a simple but essential need with dignity and care.

We’re grateful for the important work CommUNITY Closet is doing and proud to partner in supporting practical solutions that make a meaningful difference.

Address

1601 East Highway 12, Suite 9
Willmar, MN
56201

Telephone

(320) 235-4380

Website

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