Creating Caring Community

 
 
 
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Sophia Foundation is to nurture the spirit, dignity and potential of people through transformative compassionate leadership.
 
 
Our Core Values
The Sophia Foundation is guided by the values of:
  • Transformation - Creative, systemic change that enhances the humanity of local and global communities
  • Spirituality - Discovering the deeper meaning and possibilities of human action and interaction for positive change
  • Wholeness - Experiencing all facets of ourselves, as human beings, in relationship with one another.  
  • Community Building - Commitment to support positive relationships that enhance the quality of life for all
  • Compassion - Authentic communication that results in a deeper place of connection, caring and understanding
  • Stewardship - The careful management of resources including financial, staff and environment
 
 
What is the Sophia Foundation?
The Sophia Foundation lives it vision of creating caring community by awarding grants to programs that are in line with the core values of the Sophia organization, with special emphasis given to programs serving the dignity and strength of women and children.
Virginia Duncan Gilmore established the Sophia Foundation, as a supporting organization under the Fond du Lac Area Foundation, in 2001. A supporting organization is a charitable entity that functions much like a private foundation.
 
 
Our History
Sophia is the Greek word meaning wisdom. Wisdom is defined as experience and knowledge together with the power of applying them critically – working toward understanding what is right, true and lasting.  
 
The Sophia Foundation evolved from Virginia Duncan Gilmore’s personal life journey. She established the Foundation to make charitable grants to projects and organizations that nurture the sacredness of being human. She is committed to creating a more caring society; therefore a safer and more just world. 
   
The Sophia Foundation Inc. has awarded over $400,000 in grants since 2001. 
 


Applying for a Grant
The mission of the organization or agency receiving grants must have its core values in alignment with the Sophia Foundations’s mission and values. If there is to be a curriculum, syllabus, seminar or retreat development, the Sophia Foundation would like to be involved in that development, if appropriate. Clear expectations will be agreed upon at the time the grant is made. A feedback system will be established to give input on measuring the expectations agreed upon. When applying for a grant, include the following information:
o        Completed grant application (available October 15, 2007)
o        Written copy of your mission statement
o        Complete project budget
o        Fund development plan for this project and other potential funding sources
o        Copy of IRS 501c3 Determination Letter
o        Complete list of organizations officers and directors
 
 The 2008 Grant application will be available October 15, 2007. The deadline to complete the grants will be January 15, 2008. You will be notified of the decision of the Sophia Foundation Board of Directors. 
 
Send completed information to:
Sophia Foundation Inc.
c/o Fond du Lac Area Foundation
384 N Main Street, Ste. 4
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
 
 
For more information, contact:
Christa Williams, Executive Director
o        Phone:        (920) 979-7407
o        Email:         sophiafoundation@charter.net
 
  


 
Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Phone: (920) 921-2215
Fax: (920) 921-1036
384 N. Main Street - Suite 4
Fond du Lac, WI 54935

©2008 Fond du Lac Area Foundation

Sophia Board of Directors and Advisors

Virginia Gilmore-President, Ginger Timchak-Secretary, Richard Kleinfeldt-Co-Treasurer, Sandi Roehrig-Co-Treasurer, Robert Casper, Gary Boelhower, Valerie Graczyk, Sr. Deborah Walter, James Gilmore, Catherine Wolfe, Lew Perlson-Advisor, Maureen Oster-Advisor, Sr. Mary Christine Fellerhoff-Advisor, Christa Williams-Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 Latest News

 

2008 Grant Application Available Click Here To Download

If you would like this application emailed to you in a word document please email Christa Williams.  (You can find her email address on the bottom of the page.) 

Press Releases
  • Gilmore elected to the board
  • Executive Director hired
  • 2007 grant recipients