Making a Difference One Woman at a Time
How Does It Happen?
It has been a long and productive year. Thanks to the efforts of the MMMF Finance Committee led by Treasurer Charlotte Jones-Carroll, our portfolio has weathered the financial storm. The Arts and Crafts Fair, our main fundraiser, although down on previous years, brought in substantial proceeds. And, the MMMF Friends did not let us down; we actually received more in Friends donations than ever. All of this has enabled us to award grants to 14 women from developing countries, selected not only for their academic excellence but also for their commitment to returning to their own country (or elsewhere in the developing world) and working to improve the lives of women and children there.
During the past three years, the MMMF has conducted an overseas pilot program that has resulted in a viable working relationship with two hubs for African students, the Universities of Pretoria and Cape Town in South Africa, as well as with volunteers from the WBG staff at the Pretoria Country Office. The application period opened in June and ended in August 2009. A Selection Committee and Panel, led by Elna van Greuning in DC and Melanie Jaya in Pretoria, presented to the MMMF Board its selection from among the 50 applicants, and 6 recipients were approved. In March, Elna and Board member Nalinie Kouame represented MMMF at an awards ceremony and forum in Cape Town for the six recipients, the first event of its kind held outside of the US, a joint effort of Elna and Nalinie in DC and Corrie Bridgman and the UCT International Funding Office in Cape Town. The overall success of the pilot has meant that it is now an integral part of the MMMF grant program.
The application process for students studying in the US or Canada started in November 2009, and by the close in February 2010, we had a total of 237 applicants, up from 164 the year before. Over the following two months, the Selection Committee and Panel members, led by Vesna Heysch De La Borde, presented their suggestions to the MMMF Board and 8 recipients were approved. The MMMF volunteers, under the direction of Board Members Georgine Ahmad and Andree Wynkoop then focused their energies on planning and arranging for the traditional recipients’ three-day visit to Washington for the eight recipients, including a Recipients Forum on May 17. New this year was the idea of a knowledge exchange, which involves finding experts in Washington in relevant fields of study who might help further the recipients in their research and with whom they could share their knowledge. Another addition was a reception for the recipients at the IMF Family Association. Look for a report on the recipients’ visit to Washington in the September issue of Mosaic. To view photos of the Forum, .
To learn more about the background, studies and future plans of these remarkable women .
November 2, 3 & 4, 2010
The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund’s
Arts & Crafts Fair
CALL FOR VENDORS and DONATIONS
Vendors
We are always looking for new vendors to sell at the Fair. If you (or anyone else you know) would like to apply for a table, where you will find information on how to apply. The application process will open on June 1, 2010. We are especially looking for vendors who are selling items other than jewelry
Donations
If you have some “gently-used” decorative household items (including paintings), jewelry, ethnic clothing or any other item suitable for sale of the MMMF table, please send an email to the address below, and we can either arrange pick up or indicate drop off locations in your area.
Volunteers
The Fair cannot function without volunteer’s help. It will be not only fun but a great learning experience. Want to know more? Call Georgine Ahmad (301-229-0069) or email: mmmffair@mmmf-grants.org.