What happens when you get a group of women together with a great deal of passion for OU? In a word: magic.
Born in 2017 from the desire to bring women together to increase the impact of their charitable giving, the Women & Philanthropy group created an avenue for intentional giving that has enabled members to make a large-scale impact across the university.
The Women & Philanthropy Fund is supported by gifts from each of the members. Once per year, funding requests are received from units across campus. The Women & Philanthropy group selects the proposals that most intrigue them and invites the author to present to the collaborative. Following each presentation, the group seeks further clarification through an additional question and answer session, eventually choosing to award grants to those projects that they determine to have the most significant impact.
The women who make up the Women & Philanthropy collaborative come from many backgrounds and include graduates spanning six decades, non-alumni, faculty, staff and retirees of OU. They represent various professions, demographics and viewpoints. Their uniqueness ensures lively conversation when it comes to determining funding priorities, but their shared love of OU remains their guiding force.
Beth Talbert has been a member since the very beginning and has seen first-hand the positive impact this force of women has made on the OU community. Regarding her experience in the group, Beth reflects, “I appreciate being a part of a group of women who thoughtfully deliberate grant requests. Our selections each year are difficult, but it's inspiring to see the amazing work being done on campus and to be part of supporting these efforts. I've also had the opportunity to meet smart women from all backgrounds and to learn from their perspectives. I feel like our efforts make a real difference on campus.”
In May of this year, Women & Philanthropy reached a notable milestone. With their 2023 awards, they surpassed $100,000 in grants awarded since the group was formed in 2017. This year’s grants supported research on bird species, telehealth simulation equipment, makerspace equipment for the library and first-year student wellness groups to help connect them with one another and the university.
Over the past seven years, 18 grants have been awarded, benefiting projects such as the campus student organic farm's hoop house extension, implementation of a palliative care training program for nursing students and an after-hours crisis counseling service.
The Women & Philanthropy collaborative welcomes new members. Anyone can join at any amount, however voting rights to select the projects start at $250 for women under 40 years old (emerging philanthropists) and at $1,000 for those over 40.
Learn more about Women & Philanthropy or contact the annual giving office at (248) 370-4504.
January 11, 2024
By Kelly Brault
