Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women

Funding: Struggles and Triumphs

The Catharine S. Eberly Center has faced steady financial difficulties due to decreases in funding from the state as well as difficulties obtaining funding from the University. While the Center has maintained a high quality of service through its twenty years of operation, funding and fundraising has been a problem and a concern. Without the generous contributions of the Eberly family, through the original endowment as well as contributions such as the Jane Eberly Eager bequest, the Center would not have survived, as its operating budget is based on the interest from these endowments. The Center has also received many generous gifts from BPW/Toledo and Toledo Smith Barney.

The Toledo Solomon Smith Barney Computer Lab - Created from donation

A List of Eberly Center Donors

Eberly Center for Women Fall 1987 newsletter
Growing Needs-Dwindling Resources

In early 1987, the Center faced serious cutbacks. Displaced Homemaker funding was in danger of reduction, affecting staffing, scholarships, and programming opportunities available for the program. Although funding was diminishing, the Center's clientele was steadily growing. As always, the center was exploring alternative methods of funding such as contributions from local sources, fundraisers, and additional grants such as the Carl Perkins grant.

Later in 1987, the decision was made and the Ohio Board of Regents, one of the Centers main sources of funding, cut support to the Center. Services remained the same; however, staff positions were eliminated. The Programming Specialist and Job Placement Specialist positions were no longer affordable with the new budget. Duties for both were covered by the remaining staff.

Eberly Center for Women Fall 1991 newsletter
A Note from Director Dianne Mills on Funding Issues

In a memo written in the fall of 1991, Dianne Mills wrote: "The Center for Women has become a victim of the recession, budget cuts, and a decrease in the amount of money allocated by the state for displaced homemakers. The good news is - we will continue to be an excellent community and University resource. The bad news is - we will be cutting back on a staff member who has resigned. We have had to make some difficult decisions in order to maintain the excellent services we provide, with a reduced budget." These decisions included the loss of staff, a reduction in programming, and fees for programming. Although Center programs were offered for minimal cost, any charge has presented a problem for some of the patrons.

Eberly Center for Women Winter 1992 groups
New costs for programming at the Eberly Center

In the majority of the following years of the program and despite its success, the Displaced Homemaker program funding was repeatedly lowered. The Advisory Board made requests to the University and to private sources in an effort to continue the services. The Project Succeed program suffered similar problems as well. The program's growth far exceeded its funding and scholarship funds became more difficult to find. Funds were raised by private contributors and other organizations in conjunction with the Eberly Center and these services did remain in place.

Eberly Center for Women Fall 1998 brochure
In Fall of 1998, a Women and Philanthropy program will be put into place according to the 5 Year Plan.

Last Updated: 6/27/22