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ABOUT WEDCF

Mission

To work within our community to help women achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence by providing mentors, development opportunities, grants and scholarships.

WEDC Foundation
The WEDC Foundation provides financial assistance, mentors and professional development programs to women in Madison, Marshall, Morgan, and Limestone counties of north Alabama who are driven to overcome daunting hurdles and become economically independent by obtaining a college education or technical training.

Founded in 1998 by the Women's Economic Development Council in Huntsville, Alabama as a separate 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, the ongoing vision for the Foundation is to create a legacy of accomplished and independent women who will share their energy and success with others.

The Foundation has served many deserving women with approximately $170,000 in scholarship awards. Primary funding is obtained through the Women Honoring Women Awards Celebration, which has grown over the last five years to become one of Huntsville's most anticipated events. Established in 2002, the Foundation Endowment Fund, with the generous support of Crestwood Medical Center, the Pei Ling Charitable Trust and Kathy Chan, Bhavani Kakani, the Peters Family, Jean Wessel-Templeton, Holly Brown, Bama-Jammer Promotions, Tyson-Bulloch, and the Women's Economic Development Council, among others, has already grown to over $175,000.

The Foundation is experiencing rapid and exciting growth. New business and community partnerships are being developed to expedite our scholars' educational success. A recent community partnership with the YMCA resulted in a seat on the North Alabama YMCA Board of Directors for a WEDC Foundation Scholar, among other joint activities.

Values & Beliefs

  • We believe that every person has a responsibility to leave a legacy of giving back.

  • We believe that by sharing our resources, we can positively affect lives.

  • We believe in improving the community one person at a time, and that every effort, no matter how small, can make a difference.

  • We believe that every woman should have the opportunity to find her greatness, as she defines it.

  • We believe in economic independence for women and that education and training can help women achieve economic independence.

  • We believe in women helping women and in the power and effectiveness of groups of women helping other women.

  • We believe in the power of encouragement, tolerance, understanding, community and inclusion.

  • We believe that a support circle can build confidence and make opportunities known and real.

Getting Involved

5 Ways to Get Involved

  1. Join the "Friends of the Foundation" and become an active supporter
  2. Make an Endowment Fund donation
  3. Volunteer as a Mentor or Scholar Development Resource
  4. Refer a potential scholar
  5. Nominate a deserving woman as a Women Honoring Women Honoree or support the WHW Celebration as a financial sponsor.

For more information on getting involved, contact Executive Director Janice Sanders at 256.429.4718 or ed@wedcfoundation.org.