The Women’s Giving Circle, a fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation supported by nearly 300 Eau Claire women, opened its grant application period on April 1. Grants for up to $6,000 to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status will be considered. Proposed projects must serve the needs of women and children, and be implemented within the Greater Eau Claire area. The fund has distributed more than $36,000 a year on average to area organizations that serve women and children since its founding in 2007, for a total distribution of more than $260,000. Past grants have been awarded to the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, the Hmong Mutual Assistance Association, and many more local groups over the years. More information about the application process is available online at eccommunityfoundation.org, or by calling (715) 552-3801. Applications must be received before July 1 to be considered.