(Ojai, CA - April 2, 2024) — The Ojai Women’s Fund’s Grant Application Training Workshop will be held again on Zoom on April 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Please note the Zoom meeting will open at 5:20 pm, and we will start promptly at 5:30 pm. This meeting will be recorded so you can attend and download it later.

The workshop is an interactive training session that focuses on completing the OWF grant application step by step. It will be very beneficial for smaller nonprofits that do not have a formal grant writer. The workshop and grant program are open to any nonprofit delivering services to the Ojai Valley, not just Ojai-based.

“Beginning in 2024, the Ojai Women's Fund will modify how it awards grants,” said Catherine Meek, co-chair of the Grants Committee. “This year, the top-scoring grant applications, regardless of focus area, will be on the ballot for all members to vote on. Members will vote for five out of the top ten, and the five applications with the most votes will receive a grant. Previously, two nonprofits in each focus area of arts, education, environment, health, and social services were on the ballot, and members' votes selected one in each category.”

Grants Co-Chairs Catherine Meek (above left) and Polly Nelson (right) will facilitate the meetin.

There are two primary requirements to apply. First, the organization must be either a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor, not a church. Second, the grant must benefit and service the Ojai Valley. The nonprofit does not have to reside in Ojai, but the grant monies must be spent on projects or programs in the valley.

Any qualifying nonprofit is encouraged to attend the program. Anyone who supports a nonprofit is asked to inform them about this program. It’s free and well worth the time, especially for small staff with limited resources but doing great work.

Now in its eighth year, the all-volunteer Ojai Women’s Fund has awarded almost $700,000 in grants to organizations serving the Ojai Valley community. This is all possible because of the collective effort and dedication of OWF members and giving circles. To learn more about OWF and past grant recipients, visit www.ojaiwomensfund.org.

To receive the Zoom link for the workshop or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email Grants@OjaiWomensFund.org. Catherine and Polly are happy to answer them.

For additional media information, contact Kathleen Kaiser at kathleen@kathleenkaiser.com.