FREMONT, Neb. — The Fremont Area Community Foundation (FACF) is proud to announce the launch of the GirlPowerr Fund, a new philanthropic initiative designed to empower girls and young women to pursue higher education and unlock their full leadership potential.
The idea for GirlPowerr was born in 2020, when local philanthropist Dr. Evelyn McKnight lay in a hospital bed fighting cancer and asked a simple question as she watched the news: “Where are the women?” With women representing only 10% of global CEOs and too few in leadership roles across industries, Dr. McKnight, her husband Tom McKnight, and their longtime friend Julie Hindmarsh decided to take action. As healthcare providers and educators, the trio understood firsthand the life-changing impact of education—and the consequences when girls and women are not represented at decision-making tables.
Together, they created GirlPowerr, a fund dedicated to encouraging girls to dream bigger, aim higher, and continue their education after high school. Their vision is to make post-secondary education not only possible, but a priority for young girls and their families.
Through the Fremont Area Community Foundation, the GirlPowerr Fund will provide resources, support, and financial encouragement to help girls build a strong foundation for their futures. This includes match funding for NEST 529 education savings accounts, designed to give families an extra boost as they plan for college, trade school, or career training.
“GirlPowerr is more than a fund—it’s a movement,” said Melissa Diers, Executive Director of the Fremont Area Community Foundation. “Evelyn, Tom, and Julie saw a need to lift up the next generation of women leaders, and they’ve built a powerful, lasting way to do that. Their vision will open doors for girls in our community for years to come.”
The GirlPowerr Fund will partner with schools, families, and community organizations to introduce girls to new possibilities, celebrate their strengths, and support their preparation for life after high school.
“We believe every girl deserves the chance to pursue her dreams,” said Evelyn McKnight, GirlPowerr co-founder. “Education gives girls confidence, choices, and opportunities. Through GirlPowerr, we want every girl to know she belongs in the rooms where decisions are made.”
The GirlPowerr Fund is now accepting contributions from individuals, families, and businesses who want to invest in the future of young women in the Fremont area and beyond.
About the Fremont Area Community Foundation
The Fremont Area Community Foundation strengthens the Fremont area through charitable giving, strategic partnerships, and impactful grantmaking. By managing more than 150 funds and connecting donors with local needs and opportunities, FACF works to build a thriving, resilient community for generations to come.
Learn More
To learn more about the GirlPowerr Fund or to get involved, please visit https://www.facfoundation.org/girlpowerr.html or contact Melissa Diers at mdiers@facfoundation.org.
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