MINNEAPOLIS — Two local organizations were among those earning grants from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota’s Community Response Fund.
Mewinzha Ondaadkiziike Wiigaming in Bemidji and Family Safety Network of Cass, Hubbard, and Clearwater Counties in Walker each received $10,000 from the fund.
With the funds, Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming seeks to “create a community-centered and co-created group-supportive pregnancy program for Anishinaabe and Indigenous birthing people in the region,” a news release stated. Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming — “Long Ago Women Birthing in Lodge, Home or Hospital” — is an Anishinaabe-led organization with the stated mission to provide maternal child health and family to community members in Northern Minnesota.
Family Safety Network of Cass, Hubbard, and Clearwater Counties wants to provide safety, support and advocacy for all victims of domestic violence, the release stated. Opportunities include financial education, independent living skills, trauma response and recovery, mental health access and peer support groups.
Through the Community Response Fund, the Women’s Foundation responds to needs of organizations and programs that ensure women and their families are safer and healthier, the release stated. In the last year, the foundation awarded $250,000 to 25 organizations across the state.
All Women’s Foundation grants support general operating expenses, which provide greater flexibility, crucial for organizations to build stability around community-sustaining programs. Applications are invitation only. For more information and eligibility, contact Erika or LaCora through community office hours.
