Power of the Purse

Power of the Purse pools charitable dollars so one donor's "small purse" creates an everlasting impact!

13 Years of POP-giving Impact = $251,008

Impacting the Community through Fun and Philanthropy

Power of the Purse (POP) is a women's giving circle that provides funds and assistance to people in need, and organizations that assist them, in Cowley County. POP members explore and collaborate with other women who share values, learn about non-profit organizations and community needs. Every member offers input to the Circle's goals and grant awards.

Power of the Purse was established with Legacy Regional Community Foundation in 2007. Since inception, POP members have given a grand total of $251,008 in grants and scholarships in Cowley County. POP operates by combining membership contributions into a pool of funds to award grants and scholarships serving their mission to better the lives of women and children.

Membership in the Circle is open to all women who live or work in Cowley County and wish to further the mission and goals of the Circle through financial support. A minimum contribution of $400 per year is required.

POP also welcomes members 40 years of age and younger at the $200 level.

Power of the Purse provided grants for projects with these organizations in 2017.

Power of the Purse (POP) presented grants totaling $21,000 to eight local nonprofit organizations in 2020.

Organizations receiving support include Angels in the Attic, Ark City Public Library, Community Health Center, Cowley Cares Coalition, Eagle Nest, Inc., Elevate Cowley County, Soroptimist International of Arkansas City, and Wichita Family Crisis Center (Cowley County) of Winfield.

Angels in the Attic ($2,000). Warm Coats/Happy Hearts. Families are given a $30.00 coat voucher to use at Wal-Mart for each child that is signed up. Angels in the Attic is cooperating with the Arkansas City Kiwanis and several other private donors help with hats, gloves and scarves.

Arkansas City Public Library (ACPL) ($700). ACPL will add Early Literacy Backpacks to its circulating collection for checkout. These backpacks are full of books, activities, and games that promote emergent literacy skills. Letter identification, number identification, shapes, colors, and themes (construction, farm, ocean, animals) are some of the first backpacks ACPL will offer. ACPL will grow this collection, with the program continuing indefinitely.

The Community Health Center in Cowley County, Inc. ($1,000) Funds from Power of the Purse will assist with the Emergency Safety Net Fund that is utilized by off-site social workers designed for marginal expense assistance. Typically, limited to $50 per family unit (not be used for rent or utilities).

Cowley Cares Coalition Fund ($6,972) This fund was created to assist single mothers who are actively working to improve their lives and the lives of their children. Research shows caring for a mother reflects care to the children, families and ultimately improves entire communities. The Cowley Cares Coalition assistance encourages participants to be self-sufficient and productive members of the community. Eagle Nest, Inc. while working in cooperation with other local agencies administers the fund.

Eagle Nest, Inc. ($948) Back To School. Because of this project, children can start school with everything they need to be successful academically.

Elevate Cowley County ($2,080) This project continues the work of helping families overcome poverty. The fifth class of participants began virtually in 2020. A sixth class is planned to begin in June 2021. Awarded funds will be used to support the sixth class and provide materials for the new Children’s programming curriculum activities.

Soroptimist International of Arkansas City ($4,300) The Sock Plus Project has been funded by the Soroptimist and the generosity of Power of the Purse for several years. The project provides socks and undergarments for Pre-K through 5th grade students. Actively Building Confidence (ABC) project will provide $20 voucher for middle school girls to build confidence from the inside out with bras/undergarments as needed.

Wichita Family Crisis Center (working in Cowley County) ($3,000) Fresh Start Bags and Client Assistance. The Wichita Family Crisis Center has a continuing partnership with the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, to provide services for individuals experiencing Sexual and/or Domestic Violence. The office in Winfield has been in operation for 2 years and has provided 24/7 crisis hotline, immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, court and medical advocacy, and referral services for victims of sexual and domestic violence and their children. When advocates respond to calls from the medical community, there is a need to provide survivors with clothing, toiletries and other basic necessities as they are being released from the hospital. At times, the clothing they arrive in at the hospital is unsuitable for continued wear. Some survivors clothing is kept for evidence.