Become a Member

About Us

Our Mission

To promote women’s leadership in philanthropy, increase charitable contributions and strengthen their value through collective giving, and encourage a new generation of philanthropists.

FAQs

Founded on the belief that women are powerful agents of change, the Topeka Women’s Fund invests in programs and organizations that strengthen opportunities for women and girls in our community. Through education, collaboration, and strategic grantmaking, our members work together to address critical needs and support a more equitable future for Shawnee County.

Contact Us

The Women’s Fund is a donor-advised fund of the Topeka Community Foundation designed to create a new pool of resources from women interested in becoming philanthropists through the power of collective giving. Its mission is “To promote women’s leadership in philanthropy, increase charitable contributions and strengthen their value through collective giving, and encourage a new generation of philanthropists.”

Anyone can become a member of The Women’s Fund by making a contribution. The fund is governed by a board of directors and all members of The Women’s Fund have an opportunity to be involved in committee work as they wish. Every member has direct participation through an opportunity to vote on all proposed grants.

The Women’s Fund seeks projects and programs which benefit our community. Annually, grant recommendations are based on research, community collaboration and a thorough grant application process. The final grant-making decisions reflect the diverse interests of The Women’s Fund.

Every member helps decide – through voting on the proposed grants. Additionally, members are given opportunities to make site visits, attend panel discussions, participate in grant applicant interviews and become involved in other educational opportunities prior to allocation decisions.

For every dollar donated, 50 cents is granted in the current year and 50 cents goes into an endowment fund – which is invested by the Foundation. This ensures The Women’s Fund impacts our community in perpetuity.

Accountability and evaluation are the cornerstone of grant-making at the Topeka Community Foundation. Procedures are in place to ensure appropriate spending of grant dollars.

Contact the Topeka Community Foundation at 785-272-4804.

2026 Board of Directors

Photo of Kim Borcher, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Kim Borchers

Chair

Professional portrait of Kim Gronniger, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Kim Gronniger

Vice Chair

Photo of Bailey Malone, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Bailey Malone

SECRETARY / TREASURER & GRANTS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Photo of Michelle Butler, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Michelle Butler

Board Member

Photo of Tara Dimick, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Tara Dimick

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR & MARKETING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Photo of Michelle Hoferer, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Michelle Hoferer

Board Member

Photo of Maggie Mahood, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Maggie Mahood

Board Member

Photo of Allison Malmstrom, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Allison Malmstrom

Board Member

Photo of Kristen OShea, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Kristen O'Shea

Board Member

Photo of Mandy Roe, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Mandy Roe

Board Member

Photo of Linda Stephens, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Linda Stephens

Board Member

Photo of Karen Taylor, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Karen Taylor

Board Member

Photo of Valerie Williams, representing women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.

Valerie Williams

Board Member & Luncheon Committee Chair

Six women presenting a $4,942 grant check, illustrating women’s philanthropy in Topeka.
Four women and two men presenting a $7,300 grant check to The Bridge, highlighting women-led philanthropy in Topeka KS.
Group presenting a $7,500 grant check to the Junior League of Topeka, showcasing women’s philanthropy in Topeka.
Five women presenting an $8,800 grant check to Girls on the Run, supporting grants for women in Topeka.
Four women presenting a $10,000 grant check to Friends of Recovery, illustrating women-led community impact.
Group presenting a $7,500 grant check to Topeka Habitat for Humanity, reflecting women-led philanthropy Topeka KS.
Six women presenting a $7,000 grant check to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, supporting women’s collective giving.
Four individuals presenting a $25,000 grant check to Topeka Rescue Mission, demonstrating women’s philanthropy in Topeka.
Four women presenting a $14,000 grant check to Project 2 Restore, emphasizing grants for women in Topeka.
Group presenting a $15,000 grant check to the Topeka Housing Authority, showcasing women-led community impact.
Attendees posing for a photo at a formal gathering, representing women’s collective giving group engagement.
Two people standing together at a formal event, reflecting women-led community impact in Topeka.
Four attendees seated at a banquet table during a community event, supporting women’s philanthropy in Topeka.
Two women smiling at a community gathering, representing women-led philanthropy Topeka KS.
Banquet hall filled with attendees at a luncheon, highlighting a women’s collective giving group in Topeka.
Attendees seated around a table with a “Power of Collective Giving” sign, illustrating women-led community impact.
Three women seated at a formal event table, supporting women’s philanthropy in Topeka.
Attendees seated at a table featuring a collective giving sign, showcasing women’s collective giving group efforts.
Guests seated at a reserved banquet table discussing impact and collaboration, reflecting women-led community impact.
Three women presenting a $15,000 grant check to Valeo, highlighting grants for women in Topeka.