Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund Announce 2026 Grant Recipients

Unique problems require creative solutions, and healthcare for women faces serious challenges in our region. Thankfully, The Women’s Health Fund (WHF) has granted $59,910 to 15 nonprofit organizations across Southeast Kansas in 2026 to help address those challenges.

Founded in 2007, the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Giving Circle at CFSEK was created with the mission, “To improve the health and wellbeing of women by supporting education, increasing awareness, and sharing quality of life opportunities to benefit all women.”

Today, the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund comprises the Women’s Giving Circle, the Circle of Friends, and the Nightingale Endowment. Since 2007, WHF has granted nearly $630,000 to nonprofits in Southeast Kansas. The Nightingale Endowment supports technology upgrades and enhancements at the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing Simulation Hospital at Pittsburg State University, granting $17,600 to the school in 2026. The Women’s Giving Circle and the Circle of Friends pool their financial resources to combat poverty, lack of health care, and improve women’s health education.

“The needs for women’s health don’t stop, and the economic climate we are in was evident this year in the applications, especially to provide assistance for non-medical needs,” said WHF chair Lynda Wilkinson. “When a woman is facing health challenges it impacts their entire lives. By pooling our resources, we can support local organizations that help women overcome barriers to better health and well-being. We’re grateful to our donors and this year’s grant recipients for turning that shared commitment into practical help for women across Southeast Kansas.”

The Women’s Health Fund and CFSEK would like to congratulate the following 2026 grant recipients:

Women’s Giving Circle – $54,053

• Angels Among Us – Helping Local Cancer Patients with Financial Needs
• Care to Share Cancer Support Group of Bourbon County Kansas, Inc. – Ongoing Cancer Support Services
• Catholic Charities Inc. – SEK Neighborhood Financial Stabilization Project
• Cherokee County Health Department – Providing Support in More than One Way (The Post Mastectomy Bra Project, Part 2)
• City of Parsons Recreation Commission – PRC StrongHer: Women’s Strength, Wellness & Confidence Initiative
• Coffeyville Regional Medical Center Foundation – Mother’s Matter at CRMC
• Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas – DIY Cancer Prevention
• Fostering Connections – Home Start: Independent Living Essentials for Young Women
• SE Kansas Women Helping Women – UNIQUE NEEDS
• SEK Juneteenth Foundation – A Woman Worth
• Wildcat Extension Education Foundation – Kitchen Restore Starter Kits Project for those Exiting the Safehouse Crisis Center

Circle of Friends Giving Circle – $5,857

• Care to Share Cancer Support Group of Bourbon County Kansas, Inc. – Ongoing Cancer Support Services
• Cherokee County Health Department – Providing Advocacy, One Exam at a Time
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States – NICU Mothers & Families: Breast Feedings & Memory Milestones
• Women’s Resource Center of Southeast Kansas – Perinatal Hospice

The Women’s Health Fund is proud to be able to play a small part in supporting these projects benefiting the women of our region.

The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas is proud to be the host agency for the Rita J. Bicknell Women’s Health Fund. CFSEK is a public non-profit foundation that serves the region by helping donors fulfill their charitable giving goals in ways that benefit the common good and improve the quality of life. The Fort Scott Area Community Foundation, the Girard Area Community Foundation, and the Columbus Area Community Foundation are CFSEK affiliates. If you would like to learn more about the CFSEK or the Women’s Giving Circles, please visit SoutheastKansas.org/WHF or call 620-231-8897.