What is the Jeannette Rankin Foundation ( JRF)?
JRF was founded in 1976 with $16,000 provided by a bequest left by Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to U.S. Congress. The endowment is now valued at more than $700,000. JRF awards grants to women who have a vision of how an education will benefit themselves, their families and their communities. The grants 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 grant was awarded to one woman in the amount of $500. In 2006, JRF awarded 78 grants in the amount of $2,000 each. Over the years, 533 grants have been awarded to women from all over the United States totaling more than $848,000. 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 ages 35 and older who have overcome trem
