Fact Sheets
- JRF Fact Sheet (PDF)
- JRF Info Page with Graphs (PDF)
- JRF Recipient Map (PDF)
- JRF Recipient Feedback (PDF)
What is the Jeannette Rankin Foundation (JRF)?
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation is an organization designed to support mature, low-income women who are motivated to change their lives through education. JRF was founded in 1976 with $16,000 provided by a bequest from Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to U.S. Congress. The endowment is now valued at more than $700,000.
JRF awards scholarships to women who have a vision of how an education will benefit themselves, their families and their communities. The scholarships are not restricted to tuition, but may be used for books, transportation, childcare, or other living expenses to support the recipient toward her educational goals. In 1978, the first scholarship was awarded in the amount of $500. In 2006, JRF awarded 78 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each. Over the years, nearly 500 scholarships have been awarded to women from all over the United States totaling more than $700,000.
Who does the Jeannette Rankin Foundation help?
All of the applicants must meet low-income requirements, be U.S. citizens, and be enrolled or accepted in an accredited undergraduate or vocational program. JRF recipients are women age 35 and older who have overcome tremendous obstacles to work towards their educational goals. More than 80 percent of JRF scholarship recipients have either graduated or are still in school.
How is the Jeannette Rankin Foundation funded?
The Foundation's funding comes from membership dues, individual donations, business sponsorships, private foundation scholarships and an endowment. From 2002-2005, more than 1,300 individuals made contributions to JRF in amounts ranging from $15 to $25,000.
How can you help the Jeannette Rankin Foundation?
- Donate!
- Giving Circles are extensions of JRF that raise money for and increase awareness of JRF. The goal of each Circle is to increase membership and raise funds to support women's scholarships. Individuals, families and friends can pool resources to donate in honor or in memory of a loved one. A gift of $2,500 will provide a JRF scholarship. Several planned giving opportunities are available also.
- Planned Giving
Media Contact:
Sue Lawrence, JRF Executive Director
sue@rankinfoundation.org
(706) 208-1211