Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund (JRF)

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship means the world to me! As a non traditional, "older" woman college student, being awarded the JRF scholarship has helped me in so many ways. Not only through the much needed funds, but in the support and encouragement both from the foundation and from my fellow JRF scholars. Thanks in a large part to this organization, I enter my senior year of nursing school next month and in May of 2016 I will live my dream as I graduate with my RN degree. I could never thank Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund enough for ALL this scholarship has and does mean to me! Pam Jones

This is the third semester JRF has helped me pursue my history degree so I can go on to graduate studies and teacher certification. Then I will not only be a positive influence on youth, but earn a decent living. Win-win. The funds are greatly appreciated even though they are only a fraction of my education expenses; the encouragement from being selected and supported are equally valuable.

Note Great Nonprofits' ratings say"quite well" where what is meant is "very well."

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation has assisted hundreds of older women attain their educational and vocational goals for more than three decades. Through these women, the JRF has had incalculable positive impacts upon the families and communities they support and serve. Dedicated volunteers and staff work together to accomplish the foundation's mission with limited funding by wise and responsible investments of money, time and other resources.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation, though starting small, has grow increasingly over the 24 years that I have lived in Athens. I have seen so many of their recipients attain, or even excel in stated educational goals. These woman, most likely would have had few other resources to aid them in their quest for higher education, better paying job, and in many cases a way to break a cycle for their daughters or sons. The events, with top quality organization and variety, draw many more new participants each year. The recipients who come back each year to share also inspire the entire room of woman- we are indeed changing the world! I know that Jeannette Rankin would be very proud of the tireless work that is done in her name at JRF, and that is why they get my vote for the Top Rated Nonprofit!

I've have been a donor of JRF for years and I know the money I donate goes to great cause. You can look at JRF's 990 and know that money is being managed well. I always recommend that people do research on organizations before they donate. Do a quick google search for 990 finder and you can access the JRF's 990 and see how they use money--you will be impressed. I've donated in the past and plan on making another donation before the end of 2012. I plan on being a lifetime JRF donor.

Very effective organization with very small infrastructure. Inspiring women changing the world!

Having served on various nonprofit boards in the arts and in education for over twenty-five years, JRF has become a valued extension of service in those areas. I was drawn to JRF because of its focus on providing financial support for adult women who are investing in higher education as a life changing experience. Having these women in the college classroom, most often serving as exemplars to other students, drew me to volunteer with JRF. The opportunity to serve on the board of directors has revealed the depth of commitment of the leadership and staff in fulfilling the mission JRF. This is the way to “give back” to my profession.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation is amazing. After volunteering for several years, I joined the Board because I believe so much in the work they do. Through scholarships and other support services they help adult women return to college. Through education these women are improving their lives and those of their families.

I have been a regular volunteer for JRF for nearly a year. Each time I go there to work, my job is clearly organized and ready for me. I have had many meaningful and positive experiences with them. Being a scholarship reader has been very rewarding. Reading all of the stories of the amazing women who apply for this scholarship has given me insight into the hardships people face and overcome in their determined work toward an education and better way of life. I am very proud to be associated with JRF, and often recommend them to friends looking for a place to volunteer. To the JRF scholars - I am so very honored to share in your experience and so very proud of all of your hard work. My best wishes to you and your families.

I was awarded a JRF scholarship for three years when I was working toward my B.A. I can't say enough about how much the support I received from JRF helped me to change my life for the better. I will always be grateful for the work they do to help women achieve their dreams.

JRF scholars are inspiring women who proactively chose to change their and their families lives through education. One by one these scholars are changing the direction of not only their future but they are empowering their own children and others in their community to reach for their dreams and aim hight. There is no greater message I could ever hope to pass to my own daughter.

I am a non-traditional student and am working towards a Masters degree in Social Work. I applied for a scholarship through the Rankin Foundation and thank God that I was chosen. April Greene is the person who notified me when I was selected and she was very enthused for me and was very helpful in answering all my questions. She continued correspondence through email or phone, just like she said she would. Even when she was out to have her baby, someone stepped right in and continued the needed correspondence. I have felt very welcomed and believe this is a great foundation who continues to follow up with recipients. The scholarship was a great honor for me and it has helped me so much financially so that I am able to concentrate on my studies. Thank you all very much.

I have personally met and spoke to the scholars supported by JRF. Their stories are amazing - more importantly, their gratitude for the connection to JRF is stronger and bigger than just the donation -it's the connection with people that care about them - staff, volunteers, and donors. What's more exciting to me is that a scholar has the opportunity to renew her scholarship - the $2,000 scholarship can turn into a $10,000 scholarship over 5 years. Finally, I am impressed with how the JRF scholarship doesn't just help the scholar. It also helps her family and her community - JRF scholars give back to their communities and they are donors to JRF as well.

While reading applications from women seeking scholarships, I came to understand many difficulties faced by mature women trying to support themselves and their families without a college degree. One particularly striking issue: many women had a work history of a few months here, a few months there, then on to somewhere else. I wondered why they couldn't stick with a job.......until one woman explained how employers only keep them on the job until they've earned benefits, then let them go and hire someone else. I am honored to be a part of an organization empowering women to change their lives and their communities.

I have recently moved to Athens, GA and the JRF has embraced my company and the women who they help are truly inspiring! The ability to take their lives in a new direction with such grace, courage, and strength brings tears to my eyes. I had the honor to attend the annual dinner and was truly humbled to be in their presence. Words cannot express the life changing impact JRF has on these receipients, their families, and communities. Please take a moment to listen to a story and your life will be ever changed, as well as your perspective on it! Just Amazing!!

My nephew and I endowed a scholarship in my late sister and mother's name. They both went back to college in their early 40's to realize their dreams. After their passing, there was no doubt that the legacy they left us could be reborn with the scholarships the Jeannette Rankin Foundation provides to low income women, over thirty five who turn to education to move their lives forward. Our confidence in the mission, the staff and the dedication of the JRF board and volunteers has been completely justified. We would encourage anyone who supports adult education for mature, low income women to learn more about the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. They are unequaled.

JRF is very unique organization that helps women who are 35 and have families to get college degree. I am one of those women. Now, I am a full time student in Engineering school. I am very grateful to JRF for their support during my last 2 years at the Arizona State University. They give an individual attention to every women they serve. Their staff is amazing!

Six years ago, after 29 years of marriage and 8 children together, I was divorced from my unfaithful and abusive husband. I had to continue to provide for our youngest as well as be a positive force for the older adult children. JRF has given me wings to fly...much more than crucial financial aid: this foundation connected with me as a person and strengthened my will to believe in a future that was open to me through the priceless gift of education & hard work. I have worked part-time as a Nursing Assistant while earning a 4-yr degree to become a RN. Thank goodness for JRF! Now, at age 58, I will be graduating with honors and a 4 year BS degree in Nursing this coming May. JRF's continued support has impacted all of our lives with hope and confidence that education is available to even those who do not have money but who want to become qualified for a career. JRF provided the confidence to hope and the material help to make it happen!

It goes without saying that the five of us who started the Foundation are extremely awed by the success of an endeavor that at first offered one woman a $500 scholarship and now for several years has grown into an organization that contributes $2000/yr to the education of 80+ women. But far outweighing the demographics is knowing that women who have faced some incredible hurdles and hardships have been uplifted to complete their academic programs in vo-tech or undergraduate accredited institutions. There is no doubt that when a woman receives this type of assistance she benefits, but also her family and community is tremendously strengthened. Our Foundation appeals to people no matter their political persuasions, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc. I think one of the main reasons for the success and growth is the incredible leadership the Foundation has enjoyed with each generation of participants standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before-- creative, caring, men and women. Also, the local community has been phenomenal in its support and involvement in this national organization. People who agree to read the applications are always deeply moved, and by involving large numbers of people in the reading and selection of award recipients, we have attained lifelong commitment to the endowment and the mission. Being associated with the original founders and all who have joined us has given awesome meaning to my life.

Our families dreams are coming true since 2004 when I was honored to receive a Jeanette Rankin Scholorship to assist my education to obtain my Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education. I earned Magna Cum Laude with the confidence that JRF staff gave to me by building up my self esteem. Just knowing that they were there with kindness and understanding allowed me to trust again and believe in myself. This August my son is fortunate to be excepted as a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.He earned his first Pilot Liscense this summer. My Dream to succeed was to graduate from college prior to my two teens and that has been achieved with all the support of JRF. My children are motivated for higher education too because they saw how important it was to their Mother. I thank JRF from the bottom of my heart for all they have done for my family the past six years and forever. They truly are a wonderful group of volunteers who care deeply about helping others in need of a better life through educating themselves to achieve to become financially independent. My prayers are for my daughter to complete High School and go on to college to pursue her desire to be in the medical field. Also, my son to complete his college degree and fly high. I work with the at-risk and special education youth population in my community. Dreams do come true.

This is an incredible organization. Whenever I have questions they are answered promptly. The people of this organization are extremely kind and helpful.

Being a single mom in a foreign land, I found myself in an odd situation-divorced, laid off from work, a family of 5 to support. It was then I decided to enroll in College. I found JRF listed in my college financial aid office handout, three years ago. I have been a JRF scholar since then. And JRF became part of my family! Throughout all these years,I am very impressed, and touched by the care and encouragement I received from the JRF staffs. Whenever I achieved a new milestone, I would receive a loving note from the staff. It is such an encouragement to me and my family. My three little girls and my mom are very proud of me being a JRF scholar! I am graduating with an RN degree this December. JRF made it possible to bring it to reality. JRF shares this success with me!

I returned to school after having six children. I am married, but as you can imagine, my husband's income barely paid the bills. Tired of standing in food pantry lines, I made the decision to go back to school so I could get a decent job and bring extra income into our home. I still had three little ones who needed daycare while I attended day classes. Without the funds fro JRF, I would not have been able to afford the costs for day care. I am eternally grateful for both the finical blessing, and also for the encouragement from JRF.

My husband has been unemployed for a number of years and there are times when the fear of where we will be living keeps me up at night. The financial aide helps, but it is the scholarships that make the difference. It is the organizations, like Jeannette Rankin Foundation that make it possible for me to continue to work toward getting an education so that I can help to support my family. Words can not convey the sense of security or validation that this foundation provides. Carolanne Redfern

Living in a society where there is so much emphasis on youth, it is refreshing to volunteer for an organization whose goal is to help mature women get a good education that will allow them to provide for their families and be productive members of society. Indeed, I have met proud scholars whose lives have been transformed through the help of Jeannette Rankin Women’s Foundation. These courageous women have, in turn, helped their communities and gave hope to those who may not have the self-confidence or the means to enroll in college. I can relate to these ladies. I graduated at the age of forty-one years "young." I would have never considered enrolling in college had it not been for my husband who believed in me. A lot of these ladies do not have this support system. Jeannette Ranking Organization is their only hope.

After raising two daughters on my own and sending them to college, I decided it was my turn to return to college. Jeannette Rankin Foundation has helped make this possible by offering me a scholarship that is helping to cut the cost of my tuition. I am very grateful to Jeannette Rankin. The staff and volunteers have been very kind and helpful in helping me to achieve my goals.

I am a single mother and an adult returning student. JRF helped make this dream possible. I am proud to call myself a Jeannette Rankin Scholar and will be graduating this year with a B.A. in elementary education from DePaul University. My goal is to work in the Chicago Public Schools. This will extend JRF's reach beyond this student to a future of tomorrow's learners. Thank you, JRF for all that you do.

I am 41 years old and a single parent. I recently received a Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship for 2010-2011 academic year. The generous donors and staff have made my dreams possible! This year I began the nursing program at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.

JRF is very unique organization that helps women who are 35 and have families to get college degree. I am one of those women. Now, I am a full time student in Engineering school. I am very grateful to JRF for their support during my last 2 years at the Arizona State University. They give an individual attention to every women they serve. Their staff is amazing!

As an intern for JRF, I had a splendid opportunity to learn about the way a non-profit organization works and what it could mean for me as an advertising major. However, my experience with JRF has gone much deeper than just some good experience to put on a resume. Before applying for the internship, I knew very little about the organization. I had done some minor research, so I knew the background and mission of the foundation, but I learned so much more being so heavily involved in its activities. The scholars don't just appreciate what JRF has done for them, but they truly adore the foundation's encouragement and its staff. The staff are incredibly welcoming and helpful to each and every scholar - they know the scholars by name and face and story without even having to meet them in person. I never thought I could care so much about people who live miles and miles away from me, but now I sincerely do. Before interning at JRF, I simply agreed with and supported their mission. Now, I wholeheartedly plan to continue my support of the foundation because I truly believe that what they do makes an infinitely significant difference in people's lives. Even now that my internship is over, I believe everyone should know what JRF has to offer to the nation's women and their education. It is the most loving environment and I could not have asked for a better place to spend my time volunteering.

JRF is a great example of a nonprofit focusing all of its attention on one very simple, but extremely important effort: giving low-income women over 35 scholarships so that they can further their education. Countless studies have shown that educating women has a tremendous impact, not only on the women who receive their degrees but on their children and their communities. Education is the way out of poverty, abusive relationships, and powerlessness for these women and their children. I donate to a number of nonprofits, but I can't think of a better use of funding.

JRF is one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets, and there is no reason why it should be (a secret, that is). Its impact is huge, not only on the lives of the women who receive the scholarships, but also on the communities around the country where they live, go to school, raise families, and contribute economically and socially. This is an organization that merits a comprehensive, nationwide PR campaign, and it is my hope that somewhere an agency or individual exists who will take this on. Imagine what would happen if JRF could annually award 8,000 scholarships, or 100,000 – wow!

I read about JRF a few years ago and have regularly donated what I can since then. I wish I could give them more! I don't live in Georgia, but my own work with survivors of domestic violence in New York taught me the importance of education and economic self-sufficiency for all women. JRF provides both financial and moral support to women who are re-making their lives and I admire both the organization and the women who have earned their support.

It was my lifelong dream to be able to go to college and get education. My passions are the fields of Information Technology and Computer Science. However due to difficult pregnancies and later taking time off to be with my children I couldn't go to school until in my 30s. It was a huge step for me to go back to school after so many years. In addition my hearing loss is yet another one of many obstacles to overcome. I didn't know how I would do it if not for help and support of Jeannette Rankin Foundation. Now I am 2 years away from an engineering degree. It's still a long road, however with JR foundation's generous help, I can do it. This will means a lot for my family, it will enable me to give back to community and the country I love.

One of my student jobs was working in a college’s financial aid dept. I know after age 24 scholarship eligibilities sharply decline to scarce. It’s more common for men in this age group to have veteran benefits than women, so scholarships are even more precious to women over age 35. I’m eternally grateful beyond what words can express for Jeannette Rankin (JR) and the Athena Group for making my bachelor’s degree possible. JR is more than college funding, but personally get involved in the lives of scholarship recipients, and provides a platform for fellow scholars to share ideas, encourage, and mentor each other. JR is a catalyst for the development and success of the entire person. I graduated magna cum laude May 2009 from Oklahoma State University. Marketing major, management minor, with unofficial ‘minor’ or focus of Social Marketing. Being electric wheelchair bound in a city with nominal public transit, my income options were limited. I now serve non-profits in Tulsa through grant writing, community relations, and successful advocacy for those with both visible and “hidden” disabilities. Completion of my degree which JR made possible not only equipped me to serve, but provides me the credibility to be heard. They’re also good stewards of what’s entrusted to them, and I want to thank the staff for all of the tireless hours they additionally volunteer to make education and futures possible for not only the current recipients, but also their successive generations. Each scholarship recipient has already invested in their respective communities and/or future career fields. The diverse recipients are hard-working, outstanding women who are facing enormous challenges to achieve enlightenment and empowerment through education both in and outside of the classroom.

Two days before Thanksgiving in 2003 I fled with my 3-year-old son from an abusive marriage. The emotional and psychological damage had taken it's toll on me, and we were homeless for about a year, but by 2005 I was ready to go back to school to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing. Thanks in part to JRF I was able to complete my schooling without taking on any school loans, and I graduated debt-free in 2009. JRF was very supportive, sending letters of encouragement and little gifts throughout my time in school. One of my favorite gifts was a small book of sticky-notes and muti-colored sticky-note flags that came in very handy for marking pages in my notes and textbooks while studying. I know that sounds like a little thing, but every time I used it, I was reminded that someone out there thought I was worth supporting. I also appreciated the website, and letters and booklets they sent with stories of other clients and quotes and encouraging tips from other scholarship recipients. They even included one of my own quotes, which made me feel valued and appreciated. Now that I'm earning a good salary, I intend to support JRF, and I highly recommend donating to this organization. By touching my life, JRF helps me to touch the lives of countless patients and their families in my new career.

This organization is wonderful. They are helping us to achieve our dreams by bettering ourselves and our lives for ourselves and our children. This grant is a blessing in my life helping to pay my rent while I am going back to school to find a better and higher paying job. This is helping me to secure my future and not have to depend on anyone but myself for supporting myself and my kids. Thanks JRF, I couldn't do this without you!!

After a wasted life spent working at low-paying, dead-end jobs, and unable to figure out why I was unable to succeed in life, I was finally diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 2008. The diagnosis was such a blessing, breaking through all of the crumbling walls which I hid behind and allowing me to find a way out of the morass in which I dwelled. With the help of counselors, doctors, friends, family, and a great support team, I was able to address my biggest stumbling block, that of getting a college education. I started college in the fall of 2008, and have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams! From seeking a one-year vocational degree, I have expanded my college dream to encompass achieving two associate's degrees within three years of first starting school, and I plan to transfer to the state university for my bachelor's degree, and hopefully someday my master's degree. The Jeanette Rankin Foundation has been instrumental in helping me to achieve my dreams, not only by awarding me a scholarship to help pay for my education, but by providing encouragement and support at every turn. I couldn't have come this far without JRF! Thanks! Hillora Lang

Almost everyone has a life changing moment. A pivotal point in life where everything after is totally and dramatically different. For me, that moment occurred twelve years ago, when after thirteen years in a very abusive marriage, I finally found the strength to leave. I had endured years of physical and mental abuse, and extremely controlling behavior. With help from a local women’s shelter, I was finally able to break free from this damaging relationship. With no education, no job, no money, and two children to care for, I started a new life. It was during this time of re-building my life that I received the JRF Scholarship. The value of this scholarship was worth so much more than the financial assistance. Their support and encouragement in my endeavor to continue my education also gave me confidence, strength, and the sense that I wasn’t alone, even though I faced many difficult obstacles. I will always have heart-felt gratitude and appreciation for JRF’s investment in my life and the future of my children. Their support has strengthened my commitment to successfully reaching all of my goals, and encouraged me to search for opportunities to return what has been given. They helped change my life, and that has changed the lives of many. JRF is an organization truly committed to helping others, not just for the moment, but for life.

JRF is an incredible organization, filled with staff who genuinely love their jobs and will go to any and all lengths to achieve their ambitions of helping women in education. I loved being a part of JRF, and will continue to support it!

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation is a wonderful organization. I love being part of an organization that funds scholarships for low income women. It helps them and their families also.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation is a life-changing organization that I have been involved with for over 25 years. As a volunteer reading applications and selecting finalists, I have personally read about how hard women are willing to work to lift themselves out of horrible circumstances and make a better life for themselves and their families. A common thread among recipients is a strong commitment to give back through their profession and community service. JRF makes the impossible possible.

I serve on the board of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. It is very encouraging to read the positive reviews from scholars; helping women complete their education is our entire focus. I can personally vouch for the financial responsibility of this organization; we work hard to commit as much money as possible to our scholars. While funding is always a challenge, we have been fortunate to receive generous gifts to allow us to continue awarding scholarships during the current economic distress.

The Jeannette Rankin Foundation has helped me pursue my goal of obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. Mid-life I decided to change my career but hesitated to do so because of the cost. The Jeannette Rankin Foundation helped me obtain funding by awarding me scholarships that have made my dream of becoming a teacher possible. What a wonderful, empowering organization!!!

Great foundation. One of JRF's mission is to provide scholarships to women who may not otherwise be able to attend college. They are an excellent source of support. Love them!! The staff is very helpful, they provide access to other scholars with whom you can seek advice and provide support while you are attending school. This foundation is very well organized and could use more financial support so that they may expand ther their role in the lives of women like myself. I hope you would choose to support them. The Jeannette Rznkin Foundation has been a blessing to me in terms of my education.

I am graduating with my degree in Geogrphy thanks to the help and support of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation. They have given money and moral support for the past two years to help me accomplish this goal. JRF stays in touch with their scholarship recipients throughout the year and renews their scholarship if they are continuing to meet the criteria. No other scholarship provider has this kind of connection with their scholars. Without them I could never complete my degree and turn my life around, it would be impossible financially.