Women's Fund

Elizabeth Pahl has joined the staff of the Athens Foundation as Program Director of Leadership Athens County. Leadership Athens County is a program of the Athens Foundation designed to build a network of informed, engaged local citizens. “Liz” is a recent graduate of the Master of Public Administration Program of Ohio University. She has served as Communications Coordinator & Production Assistant, Dean’s Office, College of Fine Arts, Ohio University, Assistant Coordinator and Event Planner, Vice President’s Office for Research, Marketing Assistant for the Athens County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Box Office Manager/Administrative Assistant at Stuart’s Opera House and Patron Services Manager, Office of University Events, Ohio University.

Liz sits on the Boards of The Birth Circle and volunteers for the March of Dimes, March for Babies, and the Friends of the Athens International Film and Video Festival Committee.

The next class begins September 2012. For more information contact the program at 740-594-6061 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Since the establishment of the Women's Fund endowment, the goal has been to award grants for projects that enhance the lives of women and girls in the community and assist them in achieving their goals. It was this mission that made the 2010 grant recipient, the Big Sisters of Athens County, a natural choice.

While The Athens Foundation funded the Big Brothers, the Women's Fund concentrated on the Big Sisters. However, both endowments are solely responsible for the Youth Leadership program established in Hocking, Alexander, and Trimble school districts.

According to Director of Athens County Big Brothers Big Sisters, Jamey Bouwmeester, the program is designed for high school students to mentor elementary school students.

"There are 20 matches made in each school district. The Bigs and Littles meet together for a series of planned activities geared toward enhancing developmental assets, self confidence, cultural understanding, and getting along with both peers and adults."   

For Nicole Lanphier, the program coordinator, the results are far-reaching.   

"In this community especially, it's gratifying to watch young women develop strengths and see the 'bigs' really step into their roles. It's really great to watch these relationships develop."    

The mission of the Women's Fund of The Athens Foundation is to promote philanthropy among women, and to establish a permanent fund which will provide funding to programs and projects in the Athens area that empower women to achieve their full potential.

Approximately one out of five women in Athens are living at or below the poverty level. The Athens Foundation has set out to help these struggling women reach new heights by establishing the Women's Fund. Through the fund, The Athens Foundation also wants to provide an opportunity for women in the community to give back. The Foundation is encouraging women who have received support in attaining their goals to pass this blessing onto others who are in desperate need of motivation.

Women's Funds are the fastest growing branch of charity in the country, and women are jumping at the chance to help fellow females prosper through generous donations. Several prominent women in Athens County have already pledged over $120,000 in an effort to get the ball rolling.

The Foundation aims to initially accumulate $250,000 in total contributions, which would make it possible for $10,000 in grants to be awarded annually. While this is a lofty goal, members of The Athens Foundation have high hopes in the citizens to give their unfaltering support to their fellow Athenians.

Proceeds accumulated through the women's fund will be distributed through grants to programs in Athens County promoting intellectual, physical, emotion, social, economic and cultural growth for women of all ages. These programs will give local women the chance to get out and make a name for themselves. The moral support of the community coupled with the financial generosity of it's citizens will provide endless possibilities for the women in Athens County.

A variety of giving methods tailored to your unique situation.

Bequest by Will
A legacy of giving.
Including a charitable bequest in your will is a simple way to make a lasting gift to your community. When you make this gift through your community foundation, we establish a special fund that benefits the community forever and becomes your personal legacy of giving.

Charitable Gift Annuity
Income for today, a gift for tomorrow.
Giving through a Charitable Gift Annuity allows you to arrange a generous gift to your community, while providing yourself a new income source you can count on for the rest of your life.

Charitable Remainder Trust
Planning for the future - for you and your community.
Giving through a Charitable Remainder Trust allows you to receive income for the rest of your life, knowing that whatever remains will benefit your community.

Charitable Lead Trust
Giving back to community and your loved ones.
A Charitable Lead Trust helps you build a charitable fund with your community foundation during the trust's term. When the trust terminates, the remaining assets are transferred to you or your heirs, often with significant transfer-tax savings.

There is so much more we'd like you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving, ask your financial adviser or contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Bequest by Will - Additional Information
• Charitable Gift Annuity - Additional Information
• Charitable Remainder Trust - Additional Information
• Charitable Lead Trust - Additional Information