The Lois Kwasman Program for Community Impact was established in 2004 in memory of EWPB Board Member Lois Cohn Kwasman. Lois touched the lives of all those who knew her with her quiet manner, steely determination, and infectious sense of humor. She showed us how to succeed in the competitive field of media and communications, and how to turn our compassion for those less fortunate into action. 

This program provides EWPB with an avenue for making an impact in our community through grants designed to support efforts that are intended to provide for the underserved, needy, or less fortunate persons in our society and efforts designed to make a community impact.

EWO’s Lois Kwasman Program for Community Impact grant enables us to fulfill our purpose of giving back to the community where we live and work. Through Lois’ inspirational example, we strive to turn compassion into action by assisting the underserved and less fortunate in our society.

Our generous sponsors and donors enable us to make two grants annually to non-profit organizations whose missions are aligned with ours -- to assist girls and young women ages 11 to 21 in Palm Beach County who lack hope or need help in developing life skills. These programs focus on helping participants gain self confidence and become resourceful and self-sufficient, thus positioning themselves for a successful life.
 

The Boys & Girls Club of PBC - Keyboard for Kids Program

The first grant is for $20,000 payable over 2 years. In 2010 the grant was awarded to the The Max Fisher Boys & Girls Club - Keyboards for Kids program. Last year’s grantee, the Nelle Smith Home for Girls, also received its second payment as a result of EWO’s grant award in 2009.

Planned Parenthood Girl Power Program

The second grant, a Human Resource grant, offers the personal commitment of EWPB members to volunteer in the selected organization. This first time grant was awarded to Planned Parenthood for their Girl Power Program, and nine EWPB members currently serve as mentors to the girls, reporting that their experiences have been mutually rewarding.

GRANT INFORMATION 2011

Grants Available:

Funding Option: $20,000, payable in two installments of $10,000 over a 2 year period in October to an eligible organization to provide funds in support of an eligible program or project meeting the purpose of the Lois Kwasman Program.

Resource Option: opportunity for Executive Women of the Palm Beaches member volunteer involvement in an eligible organization as board members, committee members, trainers, mentors, or other resource help to be adapted to satisfy needs of the organization.

Eligible Organizations:

An organization must satisfy all of the following eligibility requirements at the time of the application submission and throughout the term of the organization’s involvement with the Lois Kwasman Program:

Eligible Programs: programs that assist girls and young women who lack hope or need help to develop life skills to gain self confidence, become resourceful and self-sufficient, and position themselves to have a successful life. The program or project for which the application is submitted must provide services for girls and/or young women between the ages 11-21 in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Application Process:

To receive an Application, an organization must be nominated by an EWPB member

Eligible nominated organizations will be mailed an Application

Applications are due back to the EWPB Association office postmarked in August. The exact dates will be announced.

Questions: Harreen Bertisch, Chair of EWO Lois Kwasman Program for Community Impact Committee (561.655.8944 x257) or the EWPB Association Office (561-684-9117).