UK Women and Philanthropy Network awards 5 UK academic initiatives
LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 17, 2023) — The Women and Philanthropy Network at the University of Kentucky recently awarded $194,292.50 to five academic initiatives at UK. This brings their lifetime grants to $2,878,011.50.
The Women and Philanthropy Network was formed in 2007 to motivate and unite women as leaders, donors and advocates for UK. This group of women created a new culture of service and philanthropy through their gifts of time, talent and resources, all in support of UK students.
Individuals contribute $1,000 annually (or $500 for women aged 40 and under), then pool the money to award grants that further research, provide scholarships, fund creative programs and train future leaders. Colleges and programs are invited to submit proposals and members vote on which proposals to fund.
"The selection process for the UK Women and Philanthropy Network academic grants is rigorous and competitive," said Lisa Atkinson, executive director of philanthropic engagement with UK Philanthropy. "Each proposal is thoroughly reviewed by the membership and evaluated on its merits of supporting the academic mission of the university, creativity and innovation and demonstrating measurable student academic outcomes. We commend each winner and thank all who submitted outstanding proposals this year."
Grant funds were awarded to support the following proposals:
College of Nursing, hCATS for RAM (Remote Area Medical) USA to Advance Kentucky Rural Health & Wellness $42,100
College of Medicine and Markey Cancer Center ACTION Program, Taking ACTION to Reduce Disparities in Eastern Kentucky: A Scholarship Program for Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Students $50,000
College of Dentistry, Pediatric and Public Health Outreach in Underserved Eastern and Central Kentucky Communities $49,540
College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Sustainable Agriculture and Community Food System Program, Healthy Local Food Production: Educating Future Farmers $14,215.50
College of Health Sciences, PATHfinders Summer Bridge Program $38,437
For more information concerning the UK Women and Philanthropy Network, please contact Lisa Atkinson at UK Philanthropy, William B. Sturgill Building, Lexington, Ky. 40506-0015; 859-257-7885 or lisa.atkinson@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.