The Ann Bancroft Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2023 fall grant cycle, which include 140 Minnesota girls. The Foundation’s mission is centered around supporting local girls and fostering inspiration, and the grant program helps young women make their dreams a reality.
Founder Ann Bancroft is a Minnesota-born, internationally-recognized leader for women and girls. Bancroft is a prominent and record-breaking figure in Arctic and Antarctic exploration. In 1992 she led the first women’s east to west crossing of Greenland and in 1993 led the American Woman’s Expedition in the South Pole. The Ann Bancroft foundation was formed in 1991, and since then has provided resources of support to young women and girls.
The grant accepts applicants from individuals in grades K-12, who are Minnesota residents and identify as female. Each applicant is guided by a mentor throughout the application process, and the foundation considers several factors in their decision including barriers such as financial limitations or family challenges.
This fall cycle marks the largest amount of grant money awarded in the foundation’s 26-year history, $129,000 in total. Grants of up to $1000 were awarded to the individual recipients.
The grant will support a range of projects and experiences for young women. Daisy, a 16 year-old from Minneapolis, will use her grant to travel to Chicago for a Model UN conference. One 15-year-old trans student, Opal, is proud to participate in the male-dominated field of robotics, and will use their grant to participate in their school’s robotics program. And TaShya, 14 years old from Minneapolis, will use the grant money to help fund her small business, T’s Lip Gloss.
Visit annbancroftfoundation.org to learn more about the foundation.