As the philanthropic arm of AAUW Asheville, the GEM Fund , a 501C3 non-profit, supports AAUW’s goal of breaking down educational and economic barriers for women and girls.  The GEM Fund awards undergraduate scholarships to women whose college educations have been interrupted or delayed through partnerships with A-B Tech and UNC Asheville.  GEM stands for “Gaining Educational Momentum.”

Founded in 2002 by members of AAUW Asheville, the GEM Fund exists for the sole purpose of raising funds for undergraduate scholarships.  This is the 20th anniversary of the GEM Fund, which started with a single $250 scholarship for a woman to attend UNC Asheville.  Today, over $300,000 has been raised to support more than 200 scholarships.

The GEM Fund is supported entirely by individual donors and from funds earned on investments in the endowment fund.  We accept many types of donations, including cash, stock, insurance policies, and legacy gifts.  Donors may specify whether they want their contributions to go to the active scholarship fund, which funds scholarships for the upcoming academic year, and/or to the permanent endowment fund, which ensures that money for scholarships will be available for future years.

We appreciate the support of those who have helped the fund grow steadily during the last 20 years, and welcome new donor friends, both AAUW Asheville affiliate members and non-members.  Contributions are accepted throughout the year. Despite COVID-19 and the state of the economy, an average of $30,000 has been raised during each of the last three spring fundraising campaigns, and our annual fundraising total has exceeded $50,000 each year. This has enabled GEM to continue supporting local women in reaching their academic and professional goals.

Please contact Susan Ikerd, GEM Fund President for more details or if you wish to make a contribution. She can be reached at 310-467-4052 or sandcikerd@gmail.com.