This year as the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba [JFM] celebrates its 60^th Anniversary, the Women’s Endowment Fund [WEF] at the JFM celebrates its 30^th Anniversary.

This past May, the JFM put on a packed event at the pavilion at Assiniboine Park, where Karyn Lazereck, one of the founders of the WEF spoke about how this commitment to women’s philanthropy.

As Lazereck noted, “Back in 1994, when we first conceived the idea of the Women's Endowment Fund, we were driven by a desire to make a difference. Inspired by the words of former Winnipegger Susan Weidman Schneider, Editor of Lilith magazine, we were challenged to confront the historical lack of collective support among women for women's causes.”

She continued, “We were a diverse group of volunteers, drawn from various organizations, united by a common goal: to create a space where women could make their own philanthropic choices. At that time, such initiatives were scarce in North America, and though not exactly a Gloria Steinem bra burning moment. It was unprecedented given the prevailing mindset that often underestimated our power and freedom.”

“With the support of the Jewish Foundation, we paved a pathway to independence, establishing a Women’s Endowment Fund driven entirely by women and for women. However, to kick start the fund, we faced the daunting task of raising $5000. This seemed like an insurmountable challenge, especially considering that many of us were not accustomed to making the major charitable decisions within our families.”

The plan was to get $100 from each of the 50 founding women. But the target was exceeded with 148 women participating such that $21,000 was raised to launch the WEF.

“Our efforts to promote the fund, encourage annual giving, and solicit estate gifts were met with creativity and determination,” Lazareck added.

She pointed out that the WEF “may have been initiated by a group of Jewish women, its scope knows no bounds.”

Lazareck concluded by saying, “To those who wonder if a fund dedicated to women is still relevant, I say this: It matters. It always will. For it represents not just the growth of a fund, but the promise of change. It is a testament to the power of collective action and a beacon of hope for future generations of women in Manitoba.”

Lazareck’s daughter in law Cloe McComb spoke next. McComb joined the Women's Endowment Fund Grants committee a decade ago, and since then, I've spent time as its chair and now as a member of the JFM Board of Directors.

She indicated that $1 million in grants have been provided to programs that help women and girls in our province since the inception of the WEF. McComb noted that as a member of the grants committee, she has seen firsthand the persistent need for funding. “One common challenge that we have come across has been the need for funding for ongoing initiatives,” she said.  “In particular, small non-profits with very specific needs were not able to apply for funding because the WEF, like many other granting agencies, only provide one-time funding.
 

“I am happy tonight to share that we have changed our granting criteria to ensure that support remains available for those who need it. By allowing organizations to apply for grants for ongoing programs, we ensure that organizations in Manitoba supporting women and girls always have a place to go.”

McComb added, “As I stand here tonight, I am reminded of the importance of philanthropy not only in my own life but also in my children's lives. Just as my mother-in-law who spoke before me, my daughter and boys are learning the value of giving back through our conversations about tzedakah. As my children and Karyn’s grandchildren get older, I’m sure they will come to appreciate the true impact and importance of support systems for the community, like the Women’s Endowment Fund. I am confident that this legacy of giving will endure for generations.” 

Dr. Sharon Goszer-Tritt, the Chair of the Women’s Endowment Fund grants committee, stated at the event that the WEF currently stands at over $2.2 million “That $1,000 in grants that we were able to distribute in our first year has now reached more than $101,000 a year,” she noted. “Our new goal is to grow the fund to $3 million…I feel optimistic that we will do so.”

There were three women from recipient organizations who spoke about the WEF.

Katie Hall Hursh, a board member of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation.
Hursh spoke of how a grant from the WEF partially funded the HSC’s new state of the art laparoscopic surgery equipment at the Women’s Hospital. This allows for more rapid recovery from surgeries such as treatment for endometriosis, a painful condition which affects the uterus and can make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant.

Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud thanked the WEF a grant to Siloam to buy new women’s undergarments and feminine hygiene products. She spoke of the work of Siloam Mission in building social housing.

Becky Chisick, Executive Director of Gwen Secter Centre spoke about receiving a grant from the WEF to pay for CPR and First Aid courses designed especially for older women.