![\"The](\"http:\/\/blogs.lib.luc.edu\/wla\/files\/2016\/05\/Old-Logo003.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a>The original logo for Mary’s Pence<\/p><\/div>\n
There are two basic types of grants. The first and original type of grant given out by Mary\u2019s Pence is to an organization dedicated to helping women. The other grant is part of the ESPERA fund. In the fall 2007 newsletter, Mary\u2019s Pence announced their plans to start providing a grant that works in similar ways to micro-financing as a way to establish permanent funds for networks of women\u2019s groups. Aware of the dangers of micro-lending, Mary\u2019s Pence decided to provide capital for self-renewing funds that are administered by networks of women\u2019s groups and the money is not paid back to Mary\u2019s Pence. The funds are used to finance income-generating projects that \u201cpromote the common good and enable local women to support community-based solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/a>Most ESPERA funds are agricultural.<\/p><\/div>\n
The grant program became known as ESPERA (means \u201cshe hopes\u201d in Spanish) and stands for Economic Systems Promoting Equitable Resources for All. The model for the program \u201cbuilds financial resources in poor areas while fostering collaboration, teaching skills and empowering women to impact their communities.\u201d Some of the desired outcomes in the early years of ESPERA included equalizing status of women within the family, increased decision-making power and greater control over the money in the home by women, and the status of women as leaders in the community grows. In the first year of ESPERA, Mary\u2019s Pence partnered with three women\u2019s networks in El Salvador, Mexico, and Nicaragua.<\/p>\n
After having worked on the exhibit I have a greater appreciation for archival work and Mary\u2019s Pence. The records of Mary\u2019s Pence are important documents of an organization started by and for women. Mary\u2019s Pence records demonstrate their growth throughout the years and also illustrate their dedication and immense passion for the work being done throughout the Americas. Their records deserve to be preserved for future generations and researchers. I look forward to following the organization in the years to come as they continue their important work.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Final Exhibit<\/p><\/div>\n
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Megan is a Graduate Assistant at the WLA and is in the first year of her M.A in Public History at Loyola University Chicago. She is an avid movie-goer and enjoys arts and crafts, live sporting events, and small Midwestern towns.<\/em><\/p>\n Loyola University Chicago’s Women and Leadership Archives Blog is designed to provide a positive environment for the Loyola community to discuss important issues and ideas. Differences of opinion are encouraged. We invite comments in response to posts and ask that you write in a civil and respectful manner. All comments will be screened for tone and content and must include the first and last name of the author and a valid email address. The appearance of comments on the blog does not imply the University’s endorsement or acceptance of views expressed.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n I recently had the pleasure of planning a tabletop exhibit for a Mary\u2019s Pence reception held on the Loyola University Chicago campus. Prior to working on the exhibit I knew very little about the grassroots organization. After spending hours researching … Continue reading
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