PENDLETON — South Madison Community Foundation’s women’s giving circle known as OHOP — Open Hearts, Open Purses — is set to choose a local organization and project that will receive the group’s annual award of $10,000.
“We have a new venue, a little bit of a different format — it’s fun, it keeps it interesting,” said Tammy Bowman, executive director of the foundation.
OHOP, which is in its 12th year, will vote for the winner — and specified project — June 10 during a members-only event at The Edge in Anderson.
While the event is different this year, the mission, fundraising and award process remains the same.
“The mission of Open Hearts, Open Purses is to provide financial resources to organizations for projects that improve the lives of individuals and families in our communities,” the foundation explains on its website. “OHOP provides the ability for women in our communities to make a difference in a big way by pooling their contributions for larger impact.”
OHOP funds come from a group of at least 100 women who donate $100 each.
As of Tuesday, June 1, 140 women were participating this year, which means at least $14,000 will be collected.
In past years, the grant has been awarded to fire departments in Pendleton and Lapel, as well as other organizations that benefit children, families and the community.
The organization and projects competing for the 2021 OHOP grant are:
More Than Conquerors Study Hall Arcade — More Than Conquerors, a Pendleton non-profit that offers various programs for families, including after-school care and summer camp, is seeking to start a “Study Hall Arcade.” It’s an outreach designed to fund the group’s children’s programs, provide older students with work and leadership skills, and create a positive place to hang out. It involves acquiring vintage arcade games and training high school students to repair and maintain them. The grant would be used to purchase the first games, which would be repaired, sold and reinvested in the program.
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana — The Muncie-based non-profit seeks to bring “Small Communities Food Distribution” to Lapel as part of a new focus on serving rural/small-town populations with tailgate distributions. Second Harvest would work with local leaders and residents on distribution plans and market to local residents. Small Community Distributions use smaller refrigerated trucks rather than tractor trailers, and are scheduled at times and places that reduce barriers that keep people from being able to participate in large community distributions.
Willow Place — An emergency homeless shelter in Anderson serving women experiencing homelessness because of various reasons, including poverty, abuse and addiction. Women who use the facility originate from across Madison County, often moving within many communities, with about 25% having lived in South Madison County. Willow Place is requesting funds to expand its shelter space by expanding the fire suppression system to include space for women with children.
With the vote approaching, Bowman said women can join OHOP at anytime.
Funds collected in excess of the $10,000 main grant will be split between the two finalists not selected.
There’s also a Junior OHOP portion for girls younger than 18. Participation costs $25, and junior members conduct their own vote for one of the three finalists.
As of Tuesday, there were 21 junior members.
Part of the June 10 event will take place outside around a pool, and part will be inside with face masks required.
During the inside portion, the three finalist organizations each make an up-to-10-minute funding appeal for a cause that would benefit their community.
Members then vote.
To date, OHOP has awarded more than $150,000 in community grants.
To become a member, visit SouthMadisonFoundation.org, email [email protected] or call 765-778-8444.