The Community Foundation

Since its inception in 1994, The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation has worked to enhance the lives of women and girls in need in Middle Tennessee. Through the work of nonprofits, the Fund is addressing needs like economic self sufficiency, and physical and emotional health, while also investing in programs that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

Now, one of its founders, Jane Eskind, has dedicated a generous gift to continue her commitment to its work, in perpetuity. At the 13th annual Power of the Purse® Luncheon on March 4, 2011, it was announced Eskind gave $1 million to create the Jane G. Eskind Endowment for The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

“The ideals upon which The Women’s Fund was built have been the cornerstone of Jane Eskind’s life,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation and daughter of Eskind. “What became The Women’s Fund’s priorities 17 years ago were, for most women and girls, a wild dream throughout the 60s and the decades before, and I am forever grateful to Jane and those who will follow in her footsteps to ensure these ideals are upheld and this population is served.”

Eskind, the first female elected to statewide office in Tennessee, helped co-found The Women’s Fund. Through the endowment gift, Jane’s intent is to nurture hope in the hearts of Middle Tennessee’s women and women-to-be, and to ensure that strides made toward self-reliance and self-respect are never subject to backsliding.

“This gift will forever continue Jane’s hard work and empower generations of women and girls to join in building a better future for themselves, their families and their community,” said Irwin Fisher, immediate past chair of The Women’s Fund.

The Women’s Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls and has helped support Middle Tennessee organizations providing domestic violence intervention, drug rehabilitation, job training, and other services.