Helping hands: AAUW State College community grants make a difference in the community

One of the most direct ways that AAUW State College works to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Centre County is through our Community Action grants. These grants align with AAUW’s mission of advancing equity for women and girls through education, advocacy and community partnerships, and our branch has had a long history of supporting local programs that help women and girls achieve their full potential.

Last year, AAUW State College awarded over $25,000 in Community Action grants demonstrating the wide range of local needs that can be met through these funds. Recent grant recipients include:

• Centre Volunteers in Medicine for a women’s dental hygiene education program addressing oral health barriers.
• Centre Safe to provide books and materials for survivors of domestic violence.
• Mid-State Literacy Council to support immigrant and refugee women in language learning.
• The Rivet at Discovery Space to assist women entrepreneurs in business development.

Other recipients include Park Forest Preschool, Schlow Centre Region Library and 3 Dots Downtown.

Marisa Vicere, president and founder of Jana Marie Foundation, values the impact of these grants.

“The AAUW [State College] Community [Action] Grant has been instrumental in strengthening our youth programs, including our Side-by-Side program which brings mothers and daughters together to build confidence, communication, and connection,” said said. “These moments create a foundation of trust and resilience that empowers families for years to come. We are deeply grateful for AAUW’s support in making this possible.”

Applications can be found online at aauwstatecollege.org/community_grants_centre_county and the deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Local nonprofits are encouraged to apply for specific programs that they would like to help fund. Questions can be directed to grants@aauwstatecollege.org. By offering financial support to local nonprofits, AAUW State College continues to carry out its mission — advancing equity for women and girls, and helping to build a stronger Centre County for all.

Dina Liberatore is the co-vice president of marketing and communications for AAUW State College.