Women and Philanthropy

In 2018, a group of women came together with a vision: to give intentionally and collaboratively to create a greater impact on students at Oakland University. The giving group created from this vision has been able to fund projects that will impact the OU community for years to come. Also, most group events are hybrid (in-person and virtual) which means members from across the country can take part in selecting projects that have meaningful impact.

Join Women and Philanthropy Now

Information about the 2027 OU Women & Philanthropy Grant is coming soon.

Get Involved

Supporting Membership

• Supporting members at any giving level are invited to attend committee events and stay engaged with the group’s work.

Voting Membership Opportunities

• Annual gifts of $1,000 or more provide voting privileges for grant awards and may be made as a one-time gift or through multiple payments.
• To encourage emerging philanthropists, women under 40 may join as voting members at a reduced annual level of $250.

What We Do

• Philanthropy: Our Purpose
• Education: Showcasing OU
• Networking: Connecting Philanthropists
• Volunteering: Making a Difference

2026 Funded Initiatives

• Grizzlies Growing Readers ($5,500)
• Grizz Recovery Meeting and Event Support ($4,000)
• Writing for Wellness: Community-Engaged Writing to Support Holistic Health in Pontiac ($2,500)
• Patient Perspectives on the Use of Medical Chaperones for Sexual Assault Medical-Forensic Examinations ($2,000)
• Student-Run Free Clinic Community Garden ($2,000)

Past Funded Initiatives

• Student-run community garden in Pontiac for underserved community members
• Supporting women in STEM fields
• After-hours crisis counseling service pilot program
• Inspiring careers in medicine
• Faculty research via musical performance
• Expanding the organic farm's hoop house
• Expanding diversity for future medical professionals
• Peer-to-peer program for students on the autism spectrum
• Research is for the birds: Utilizing technology to understand the foraging ecology of native bird species in southeastern Michigan ($5,800)
• Grizzlies thrive: Engage students in a series of structured programs in a small group setting to increase social community, mental health, and retention at OU ($5,000)
• Telehealth simulation enhancement to purchase equipment needed to train nurses in telehealth ($2,500)
• DIY space at Kresge Library to provide affordable access to expensive tech like 3D printers and accessories ($2,200)
• An interdisciplinary approach to coexisting with beavers
• LORACS greenhouse
• Your FIRST Response to an Allegation of Child Abuse program
• Support OU early childhood students connecting with infants and families
• Peer tutor ambassadors to assist students with a variety of undergraduate courses ($3,250)
• Facilitating accessible youth and adult community engagement at LORACS ($3,140)
• Supporting innovative instruction through student teacher/mentor mini grants ($1,700)
• Understanding how early-career teachers enact their visions of equitable mathematics instruction ($1,950)
• Grizz Recovery: A Collegiate Recovery Program meeting and event support ($3,750)

To learn more about applying for a grant or becoming a member of the Oakland University Women and Philanthropy, fill out this form or contact us at giving@oakland.edu.