With a mission to bring Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to families facing homelessness for 33 years, Rainbow Village launched a groundbreaking microgrant program in 2020. Residents and alumni can apply for these awards, funded by the “Better Together” Women’s Giving Circle. This group of caring individuals, faith partners, and community leaders raises funds for families in need throughout the year, and recipients are awarded at a Microgrant Award Ceremony each December. At the 5th Annual Microgrant Awards, held on December 10 at 12 Stone Sugarloaf, $25,910 was awarded to 28 households.
“This is my favorite event of the whole year,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “I get to channel my inner Oprah and give away money to families who not only need it but deeply, deeply appreciate it. What happens here is a blessing to everyone involved, and there is rarely a dry eye in in the room. I’m amazed by how this event has grown year after year. We hosted our first event in 2020 via Zoom with an attendance of 15 people. This year, our attendees neared 100. Over the last five years, through the generosity of our Women’s Giving Circle, we have gifted a total of $102,604.32 to families in need.” Microgrant awards are the result of fundraising efforts by the Women’s Giving Circle, including memberships, sponsorships, grants, donations, and more. Microgrant categories include debt reduction, vehicle repairs, rental assistance, and bonuses for milestones like achieving a 700+ credit score or homeownership. Rainbow Village also partnered with Catholic Charities to assist six additional families with $10,000 in rental aid.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Rainbow Village Women’s Giving Circle is encouraged to visit RainbowVillage.org/Womens-Giving-Circle/. For ways to get involved with the Duluth-based nonprofit or make a donation, visit RainbowVillage.org.
