(Formerly known as: Future Fund)
During USWCA's 50th anniversary year, 1997-1998, on the suggestion of the President, Anne Robertson, the Board of Directors of the USWCA voted to create a fund with the expressed purpose of supporting women's curling at the grassroots club level. The fund was created in response to the growing recognition of the lack of money available to women who wanted to carry out a special project within their club or region, or needed financial assistance with travel expenses. It was also noted that many less female teams were entering bonspiels compared to their male counterparts. Unfortunately, this may still true today.
The fund was originally named "The Future Fund" by Edieann Biesbrock Didham to express the intent that grants from the Fund would help promote women's curling in the future. The Fund was renamed The Women's Curling Development Fund (WCDF) in September 2007, to more clearly express the purpose of this Fund.
The WCDF has grown slowly but steadily with gifts made mostly in memory of past curlers. Some honorarium or in gratitude gifts have also been received. Since the Fund may only give out, in one year, 20% of its book value of the preceding year, the WCDF Committee encourages everyone to donate to the Fund so that larger grants can be awarded in the future. All contributions are tax deductible.
The Fund operates as a reimbursement fund; it repays the grant recipient(s) after the committee approves and then receives copies of the paid expenses to be covered.
Grants have been given for a variety of purposes; for example: to a junior women's team to travel to a Five Year and Under Event outside its region, to a female coach of a junior team to attend training, to pay for ice time for a Five Year and Under event, and to pay for time clocks for USWCA use.
At least 7 members including lst VP, Jr. Bonspiel Chair, and 5 regions to make funds available to ensure the continuance of women's curling.
Donations can be sent to the treasurer at the following address:
USWCA - Women's Curling Development Fund
PO Box 12166
Grand Forks, ND 58208-2166
