For generations, foundations and individuals have worked to make sure Americans have access to the care and resources that help them thrive. Generosity helps power healthy communities.

The “wonder of women” is always on full display at the Wonder of Women (WOW), an annual event whose proceeds support the Women & Girls Fund at Main Street Community Foundation (MSCF). Each year, Main Street Community Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations with programs that assist women and girls in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott, Connecticut thanks to the generosity of the WOW event attendees.

Several years ago, a Pass the Purse initiative was started to expand the impact of this generosity. Small purses are placed on each table and attendees are encouraged to ‘Pass the Purse’ and donate what they can for a pre-selected cause.

In 2023, MSCF held a community conversation with 20 grantee and community partners serving women and girls. Three priority areas for grantmaking were identified: Services for Senior Women; Confidence Building and Leadership; and Mental Health and Well-being. The following year, proceeds from the Pass the Purse initiative at the WOW event were awarded to local organizations for the purchase of personal care items for senior women. A total of $6,053 was donated.

Roughly 1 in 3 older adults aged 65+ are economically insecure, and senior women are more likely to live in poverty than men. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars cannot be used for personal care items and therefore many women simply go without because these products can be expensive. This need was identified by nonprofits in our local communities and is what inspired the 2024 Pass the Purse cause.

The grants were awarded based on the percentage of senior women in each community to local senior centers, food pantries, and community service providers. These grants made an immediate difference and inspire long-term change.

Larry Chiucarello, Director of the Plymouth Community Food Pantry, said of the community conversation, “Your research motivated us to create a personal care section within the Pantry for seniors.” Another grantee worked with outside vendors to expand and maximize this effort to purchase personal care items for senior women and help educate them on the importance for their health and wellness.