The Women’s Roundtable is pleased to announce it is awarding grants from The Gerry B. Wallerstein Fund in June of 2013 and is accepting applications now. To obtain a Wallerstein Grant Application, go to The Women’s Roundtable website at www.wrterie.org, print, complete and mail to: The Women’s Roundtable, P.O. Box 3922, Erie, PA 16508. Applications can also be picked up at First Niagara Bank at 2520 West 26^th Street or First Niagara Bank at 1468 West Gore Road or at the Jefferson Education Society at 3207 State Street. The deadline for submitting applications is March 1, 2013. No exceptions.

 The Gerry B Wallerstein Fund was named after one of our founding members who proposed the idea of having a pool of money available for women business owners who may not qualify for, or have access to, more traditional funding sources. This idea became a reality in 1997 when the fund was established. Regrettably, Gerry lost her battle with cancer in 1999. The Fund was then named in her honor to recognize her unshakable spirit, passion and commitment to helping women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Ten dollars of members’ $90 annual membership fee is directed to The Gerry B. Wallerstein Fund. Additional money has been added to the Fund over the years through special events and contributions in honor or in memory of WRT members or loved ones. Contributors will not have input into how grants are awarded. If you wish to make a contribution to the Wallerstein Fund, please make your checks payable to The Women’s Roundtable (note Wallerstein Fund in the memo area) and mail to The Women’s Roundtable, Attn: Treasurer, P.O. Box 3922, Erie, PA 16508 or on our website at www.wrterie.org.  Go to Wallerstein Fund and use our quick PayPal® link. Join us for the 1^st Annual Women’s Roundtable Mother/Daughter Empowerment Day to benefit the Gerry B. Wallerstein Fund on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Bel-Aire from 9 am – 1 pm. Reservations and payment, also online.

To be considered for a grant, you must meet the following criteria, complete a grant application and meet the March 1, 2013 deadline. The criteria are as follows:

• A woman-owned Business or Organization. WRT members and their relatives are welcome to apply; they will not, however, receive special consideration.
• Start-up business or a business in existence not more than five years. Or a woman-focused program not in existence for more than five years is also
  eligible to apply.
• Business Plan must be provided.
• Grant Application detailing use for start-up/operating capital such as: increased or improved technology, additional or improved equipment, or education.
• Recipient must show support for other women by being involved with other women’s organizations or organizations that benefit women.
• Prior Grantees are ineligible.
• A written report will be required of the Grantee within three months of receipt to verify how the funds were/are being used.
• Should the Grantee not comply with the terms of the grant, WRT has the right to request refund of the specified funds within a reasonable time period.
• Grant applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2013 to be considered.

The Women’s Roundtable, Inc. is a charitable, educational, social and business networking non-profit. The WRT is the first organization in Northwest Pennsylvania to recognize the contributions of women in our community with our annual Woman of the Year Award, especially those who help other women succeed. For more information on The Women’s Roundtable visit our website at www.wrterie.org.

News Release Submitted by: Marsha MacKinnon/WRT President-Elect 2012-2013

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