Montpelier, VT - Kalkstein, former Director of the Fairfield County (CT) Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls, brings both enthusiasm for women’s philanthropy and an innate understanding of the wide range of issues affecting women and girls across the state. Under her leadership, the VWF will continue to inspire women’s philanthropy and increase grantmaking to programs benefiting women and girls.

"I am thrilled to join an organization for which I have such tremendous respect," said Kalkstein. "The mission of The Vermont Women's Fund is one about which I'm passionate. I look forward to working hard to advance this mission and to ensuring that the voices of Vermont women and girls are heard and addressed."

Kalkstein earned her Master’s Degree from Columbia University School of Social Work where she concentrated in social administration. Before returning to school, she spent two years on the development staff at the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Norwalk, Connecticut and two years as the Director of Development at My Sister’s Place, a program for battered women and their children in Washington, D.C. During her five years at the Fund for Women and Girls, she helped launch an innovative program of strategic, proactive grant making, and with her volunteers helped raise close to $9 million to put plans into action. Kalkstein and her family have recently moved to Fayston, drawn by Vermont values and a love of the outdoors.

“Catherine’s experience and energy are just what The Vermont Women’s Fund needs to lead us into our second decade,” said VWF Council Chair Susan Ritz. “She brings both foresight and enthusiasm to The Vermont Women’s Fund as we strive to strengthen Vermont communities by investing in programs that benefit women and girls.”

Over the past 10 years, the VWF has made grants totaling $740,000 to 114 organizations thanks to thousands of donors across the state. It has built a permanent endowment of $2.7 million to support the advancement, self-sufficiency, and economic and social equality of Vermont women and girls. The Vermont Women’s Fund believes in the power of collective giving and is dedicated to increasing women’s philanthropy.

In 2007, The Vermont Women’s Fund awarded grants totaling $201,186 to 30 organizations and as part of its celebration of 10 years in grantmaking the Fund launched its Strategic Partner Awards for Economic Justice and Self-sufficiency. Central Vermont Community Action (Barre), Mercy Connections (Burlington) and Vermont Works for Women (Essex Junction) each received the two-year awards for their work to promote economic justice and self-sufficiency for women and to develop model programs that will have a lasting impact on fighting poverty.

“We’re excited to have Catherine on board and delighted that she has community foundation experience,” said Brian T. Byrnes, President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation. “Her background will be a tremendous asset as we continue to work with The Vermont Women’s Fund to bring women’s philanthropy in Vermont to the next level.”

The Vermont Women’s Fund Council Members, a diverse group of women, include: Council Chair ‐ Susan Z Ritz (Montpelier), Vice Chair ‐ Mary Williams (Warren), Brenda Bisbee (North Fayston), Cynthia Char (Montpelier), Lisa Falcone (Hinesburg), Abigail D Faulkner (East Montpelier), Ann Fielder (Brattleboro), Cheryl King Fischer (Montpelier), Lauren Geiger Moye (St Johnsbury), Emma Mulvaney‐Stanak (Burlington), Patricia M. Sears (Lowell), Karrin E Wilks (Bristol), Mary W. von Ziegesar (Colchester).

To find out more about The Vermont Women’s Fund or how to contribute to social change philanthropy for Vermont women, visit www.vermontwomensfund.org or call 802 229.0079.

Read a recent Times Argus article on the Vermont Women's Fund and Catherine Kalkstein