What is the Bridges Incentive Grant Program?
What is the Bridges Incentive Grant Program?The program was established to recognize and support local and district incentives that would build a bridge between the Daughters of Penelope and the communities we live in, while promoting the ideals of the Daughters of Penelope through community service, civic responsibility and family excellence.
This year, the Foundation will recognize and select two (2) exemplary programs/projects that benefit a local qualified 501(c) 3 organization within the Daughters of Penelope district or chapter level. Your chapter or district may submit only one (1) program/project proposal with an application and the completed proposal must be implemented and submitted by the May 4th deadline. Those selected as grant recipients will have a matching grant donation of $500 donated by the Foundation in their name to a single (1), qualified 501(c)3 organization. All applicants not selected are encouraged to reapply for the awards in the next call for proposals. Funding for the incentive grant comes from the Foundation directly. As the program expands, it is possible that there may be contributors who would like to fund the program. If so, the benefactor’s name would then be recognized in all printed materials associated with the Bridges Incentive Grant Program. Sponsors are encouraged to contact Foundation Grant Co-Chair Vasi Katsikathas or Foundation Grant Co-Chair Kathy Matrakas.
What are the Program’s Goals?
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- To strengthen our bonds in our local communities bridging the gap between the Daughters of Penelope and the communities we live in
- To reward and encourage creativity and innovation in the Daughters of Penelope
- To perpetuate the works of our Order at the grassroots level
- To promote volunteering, charitable giving and family excellence
- To motivate and inspire membership participation
- To stimulate the development of new ideas
What Kind of Projects will the Foundation Support?
The Foundation will support unique civic, cultural, educational or charitable programs that benefit a qualified 501(c) 3 organization within a local chapter or district area and that have the potential to radiate excellence. By this, we mean that the project should lend itself to serving as a model for other chapters or districts to adapt, modify, or replicate, thereby strengthening the entire organization. The selected 501(c) 3 organization should be in existence for a minimum of 5 years.
2026 Bridges Incentive Grant Program Application
(Deadline May 4, 2026)
Any questions? Please contact our chairwomen by clicking on “email”:
Vasi Katsikathas – Foundation Grant Co-Chair Email
Kathy Matrakas – Foundation Grant Co-Chair Email
Grants Awarded
Ashley Lauren Foundation | 2015 Grant Winner
Applicant: Aphrodite Chapter 374, District 5, Toms River, NJ
The goal of The Ashley Lauren Foundation is to ease the journey when pediatric cancer is diagnosed by providing direct financial, material and emotional assistance, along with our many programs developed to bring smiles to the children.
Saint Sophia School | 2015 Grant Winner
Applicant: Charai Chapter 79, District 17, Salt Lake City, UT
Saint Sophia School focuses on early childhood education, offering a quality program at affordable tuition rates. Their mission is to provide our young children with a foundation for continuous intellectual, social, spiritual, and physical growth.
Cypress Elementary School | 2016 Grant Winner
Applicant: Eros Chapter 356, District 2, New Port Richey, FL
Eros chapter supported the Pack-A-Sack Program which feeds 16 elementary children during the weekends. They did this during the entire school year.
YWCA Circle of Women | 2018 Grant Winner
Iris Chapter #242, Grand Blanc/Flint, MI
Iris Chapter supported the Circle of Women Luncheon supporting domestic violence and sexual assault.
Caritas – Red Tent for Homeless Women | 2018 Grant Winner
Antiklea Chapter #68, Richmond, VA
Antiklea Chapter collected feminine hygiene supplies within the community and supplied publicity for the cause with signs flyers and brochures.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | 2018 Grant Winner
Altes Chapter #163, Mercerville, NJ
Altes Chapter supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through a gift auction, auction, raffle and food sales.
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence | 2018 Grant Winner
Daphne Chapter #29, San Jose, CA
Daphne Chapter supported the Winter Open House and members volunteered to assist NDS with this annual program to hold a one-day holiday social event for their clients. They hosted an ornament craft table.
Anna Ogden Hall, a program of the Union Gospel Mission | 2023 Grant Winner
Parnassus Chapter #115, Spokane WA
The Union Gospel Mission Women’s Recovery Program at Anna Ogden Hall, established in 1971, provides a secure, Christ-centered environment for women and children. This warm shelter offers a long-term recovery program with counselling, Bible studies, life-skills and parenting classes, and education/vocational support to help women become God-dependent, contributing community members.