IFW is an all-volunteer
organization supported by donors who are not only the supporters
who make financial contributions, but also its committee members,
campus administrators and employees, students, as well as corporate
and community volunteers who donate their time, enthusiasm, and
skills to promote opportunities for women.
Each year funds raised by
the IFW Steering Committee through donor solicitation and the
Fall Fundraising Dinner are distributed through a round of competitive
awards. A subcommittee reviews applications submitted and recommends
a slate of recipients to the Steering Committee. Presidential,
Named and General IFW awards are decided on using criteria that
include the purpose and level of support, demonstrated need, and
qualifications of the individual. Priority is given to candidates
who show outstanding ability, financial need, a high level of
resourcefulness, and a proven record of academic achievement.
Goals for Initiatives For Women include:
- Support the aspirations and economic empowerment of women
who receive awards and offer
- encouragement to all who apply for awards and support the
IFW through contributions;
- Raise awareness within the wider University community about
issues of particular interest and
- importance to women through educational efforts like the
Annual Winter Forum;
- Empower concerned individuals, both women and men, by offering
them the oportunity to
- contribute time, money and support to effect equity for
women; and
- Assist all women who participate in IFW, both as Steering
Committee and contributing
- members, int heir professional development and in becoming
effective IFW fundraisers.
IFW has expanded the University's ability
to respond to the special challenges women face in pursuing
higher education and growing in their professional careers.
It also offers women throughout the University and the wider
community the opportunity to join together to support women's
empowerment. Most importantly, by funding unique needs that
would otherwise go unmet, IFW makes it possible for women at
the University to fulfill their potential as both students and
employees.
