WKU Sisterhood

The WKU Sisterhood has awarded $83,250 in grants to fund four University initiatives for 2021. During its annual fall meeting on Nov. 12, the group allocated two Impact Grants of $20,000 or more, as well as two Small But Mighty Grants of $10,000 or less.

The following Impact Grants were awarded:

• $44,000 for a Film Student Equipment Van. This purchase will offer a reliable, cost-free way for students in the Film Program to transport their equipment to and from on-location filming 
• $25,000 for the Bridge to Independence Program for Young Women with Autism. This LifeWorks scholarship program will allow four young women with autism the opportunity to gain independent living and career-readiness skills to successfully transition to leading lives of independence, self-direction and employment.

Small But Mighty Grants were also awarded to the following projects:

• $4,250 for the MCAT Prep Advantage Program. This project will prepare students from rural or underserved areas to enter medical school.
• $10,000 for Why Knot Us TOO? (WKU2). This project will improve the mental, emotional, environmental and academic success of women of color who are WKU students.

The WKU Sisterhood, chaired by Julie Harris Hinson (’90), is an organization of women advancing University priorities through philanthropic engagement and a collective voice. Members pool their financial gifts and award funds to a limited number of University designations to maximize the impact of their philanthropy. Any alumna, friend, faculty or staff member of WKU is invited to join this group of women. 

Established in 2009, the WKU Sisterhood awarded its first grants in 2010. Since then, 33 grants totaling more than $560,000 have been awarded to the University community. The amount of money available for distribution is dependent upon the number of members and can vary each year. Although funds stay within the WKU community, benefits extend beyond the University campus.

For more information, contact Summer Bacon at (270) 745-4036.