Women's Fund of Smith County Awards $400K in 2024 Grants

During its 2024 Grants Announcement Event on January 18, 2024, at the Hollytree Country Club, the Women's Fund of Smith County (WFSC) gave a total of $408,689 in grants to seven local nonprofit institutions, demonstrating heartwarming community support.

The WFSC, founded in 2007 as a collective giving circle, has continually proved its dedication to improving the lives of Smith County's women and children. During the occasion, Zoe Lawhorn, President of the Women's Fund, thanked the members for their efforts, saying, "Together, our individual gifts can make a big, collective impact."

The Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County earned $35,492 to simplify client services through the Client Services Efficiency Project, which included developing a user-friendly website and optimizing intake procedures. Camp Tyler Foundation was given $37,097 to acquire new bunk beds, which will improve the camp experience for campers.

Children's Village and Family Services, first-time grant recipients, received $48,000 for a kitchen and laundry refurbishment project. Family Circle of Care got $70,000 to open a new vision facility in Smith County, concentrating on underprivileged people.

For the Silent was awarded $65,100 for its Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy program, which helps victims of sex trafficking. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County awarded $70,000 for its Women and Children Healthy house Initiative, which provides crucial house renovations.

The Literacy Council of Tyler completed the ceremony by awarding a $83,000 grant to the Empowering Smith County Women via Career Pathways Program, which would enhance educational options.

Zoe Lawhorn stressed the importance of collaborating with both new and known groups, saying, "It's really exciting to be able to partner with a nonprofit for the first time and be a part of something that they're doing that's brand new to their organization."

Since its founding, the WFSC has donated a total of $3,294,134 to over 30 Smith County organizations using its communal giving methodology. Zoe thanked the WFSC members for their arduous efforts and stressed their dedication to ongoing generosity, commemorating the organization's achievement of exceeding $3 million in donating.

"This is a moment for us to celebrate and be thankful for everybody who has participated in this organization from its beginning until this point," Zoe said in a statement. "We just hope that we're able to continue to give big and give back to the community as long as we possibly can."