Soroptimist International of Saratoga
County instituted a Global Initiative this past
year to expand its impact to areas outside
of their local community and to fulfill the
Soroptimist mission to make the world a better
place for women and girls, organization
officials said.
The emphasis recognizes that some projects,
such as improving housing, may also
improve lives of men and boys, the group said.
In 2013,the group reported it distributed
several grants up to $3,500 for one-year projects
up to a total of $18,000; and one additional
grant of $5,000 per year for a multi-year
project up to three years in length. Funds
were used for start-up, capital projects or
on-going operating expenses.
Organizations needed to use creative ideas that are consistent with the goals of Soroptimist International of the Americas: empowerment of women and girls, the environment, improvement of living circumstances and so forth.
Applications were invited from organizations that are located in Saratoga County and beyond; and organizations must have demonstrated significant impact and fully outline the specific use of requested funds.
The following is a list of the grant recipients: Cinterandes USA, telemedicine project in Ecuador, $3,500 to purchase iPads and internet connections; The Giving Circle, Inc., Saratoga Soroptimist Birthing Center, $500 to purchase birthing kits in Uganda; Karen’s Water Fund, $3,500 for materials and labor to build a well in Rwanda; Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation Inc., computer literacy in a school in Kenya, $3,500 for Internet connection, Infrastructure and training; Qholaqhoe Mountain Connections, emergency structure for orphans in Kenya, $3,500 to assist 10 grandmothers in caring for 130- plus orphans; Seeds for Peace, greenhouse and training for mother and child groups in Uganda,$3,500 for materials/ construction/ training.
To Love a Child, Inc. in Haiti, $15,000 over three years. In year one, a garden/classroom, $5,000 to purchase seeds/food/materials/ construction/shipping. In year two, a latrine and hand washing station, $5,000 for materials/ construction/shipping. In year three, a kitchen with classroom, $5,000 for materials/ construction/shipping.
Soroptimist International of Saratoga County is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. It is part of an international organization.