Fellowship Program History

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Need the application? Use the links below to open copies in new windows. You need both parts. Application Form (PDF) Est. Income Form (PDF) You need Acrobat Reader 6.0.2 (or +). Version 8 (or more recent) is better if you wish to fill it out online. Use the link below if you need the Free Reader. Fellowship President Barbara L. Lanier P.O Box 2018 El Cerrito, CA 94530 Director, District I; Secretary Gloria Bragg Director, District II Judi Parent-Smith Director, District III Linda Bozorgnia Director, District IV, Treasurer Jeannie Griffitts Director, District V Tess Albin-Smith Director, District VI Sandra Simms

Founder Region Fellowship is a nonprofit corporation of the Founder Region, Soroptimist International of the Americas.

Since 1948, Fellowship has provided grants to women in the final phase of their doctoral degrees.  It is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of a president appointed by the regional Governor-Elect just prior to assuming her office and six directors elected to represent their districts in Founder Region.

Fellowships totaling a minimum of $20,000 are awarded each year to female graduate students at universities within the boundaries of the region. During the first sixty-one years of the program over $800,000 was awarded to more than 250 deserving women. During the past seven years, as the program has grown, over $350,000 has been awarded to 35 deserving women. Through these awards Founder Region Soroptimists acknowledge the value of students' research work and enable them to complete the academic credential necessary for their careers.

All Soroptimists in Founder Region contribute $2.00 to Fellowship as part of their dues. In addition, clubs are asked to commit a minimum of $250 each year to this Founder Region Identifying Project. Many clubs contribute $1,000 or more each year.

How to become a Fellow — A club or individual can become a Fellow by the contribution of $1,000 to Founder Region Fellowship within two bienniums. A member can also contribute the $1,000 through her company's matching donation program. For more information, members may contact their District Fellowship Director or the Fellowship President.

In the words of a few whom we have helped:

Chris Smith, Professor of Religion, Princeton
"I am grateful for your touch upon my life and all your generosity."

Carol Murray, Public Health, University of Hawaii
"Thank you again for your assistance and easing the challenge of combining single parenting and an academic career."

Phyllis Kramer, Psychologist
"Your financial support was enormously generous ... the moral support that came with your vote of confidence and belief in me led to a greater belief in myself. Thank you again."