|
VG Flash May 2009 |
|
21 New Project Grants Awarded |
|
At its Annual Meeting in April, VGIF provided grants for 21 projects in 16 different developing countries. Projects focused on grassroots projects that empower women and girls in developing countries, such as the prevention of violence against women in Kasese, Uganda and Tbilisi, Georgia. Some projects were partially funded by endowment funds: The Leaders Fund assisted the “Gene Campaign” in the Ranchi District of India to support the revival of their indigenous healing system. The Asian Regional Endowment Fund supported improved health and nutrition habits for 100 rural, pre-school children through the Yunnan Institute of Development in China. The Central/South American/Caribbean Regional Endowment provided for a literacy and learning project in Salvador, Brazil. Your generous contributions ensured the balance needed to fully fund project requests. All 2009 project grants and updates of recent projects will be detailed in the June issue of the VGIF “Update.” |
|
New VGIF Mission Statement |
|
At the April 2009 board meeting, a revised VGIF mission statement was approved that captures the essence of the former statement, yet is more focused and concise. It is hoped that this mission statement will be more readily remembered and articulated by contributing members in communicating our work and fund development. The mission statement becomes the foundation for developing a five-year Strategic Plan that will be presented to the Board of Directors at its October 2009 board meeting. The Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund provides small grants for grassroots projects that empower women and girls in developing countries. |
|
Look for VGIF at the AAUW National Convention, June 26-29 |
 If you’re planning to attend the AAUW Convention in St. Louis, Missouri, June 26-29, please stop by the VGIF table. And if you haven’t had a chance to renew your VGIF contributing membership, it will be a good time to do so. We’ll have an array of new publications, featuring details of our latest grants to empower women and girls in developing countries. Bring along some of your AAUW friends to learn about the work of VGIF. |
|
New brochure focuses on the impact of the economic crisis on people in developing countries and what VGIF is doing about it. |
 If you want copies, contact Fay at vgif@vgif.org. |
|
Travel to Nepal and India with VGIF in November |
|
If you are interested in participating in VGIF’s Friendship Tour to Nepal and India in November 2009 it’s not too late to sign up. We welcome additional participants to join in this unique travel experience that combines the treasures of Nepal and India with an opportunity for cultural exchange and sharing of ideas. Visits to Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan, and Calcutta, as well as an optional tour to Kathmandu and Chitwan in Nepal are included. The trip will be highlighted by a visit to Project Five-O Calcutta, one of VGIF’s earliest projects, and a half-day conference entitled “Women, Water, and Food Security,” co-sponsored with the Indian Federation of University Women (IFUWA). Participants will meet with project directors from organizations that VGIF has funded in India over the last few years. Other visits to Kathmandu, Calcutta, and Delhi will be made in collaboration with the Nepal Association of University Women and IFUWA. VGIF has partnered with one of its NGO affiliates, Friendship Ambassadors Foundation (FAF), to assist participants with their travel and accommodation needs. FAF offers flexible land and air packages (for U.S. delegates) and land-only packages for all interested participants. In response to the current economic climate, FAF has negotiated a reduction in some of the costs. Please view all details of the travel packages and registration at the FAF web site, www.faf.org or http://faf.org/Individuals/vgifconference/travel2india.htm. FAF will accept registrants through September 2009. Please direct any questions to Friendship Ambassadors Foundation at 203-542-0652 or vgif@faf.org |
|
Help Wanted |
|
VGIF contributing members to serve on either the Development Committee or the Finance and Investment Committee. Experience in the development field and in finance or accounting is desired. Please contact vgif@vgif.org if you are interested and want more information. |
|
Unsubscribe from the VG Flash On Line .. if you continue to receive issues after unsubscribing, please contact vgif@vgif.org |
The Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund