The American Women’s Club of the Philippines (AWCP) has been awarded a grant by the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas (FAWCO) to support the Bukas Palad Foundation in its mission to feed and educate malnourished children and their families.

The Bukas Palad Foundation, based in Pasay City, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to helping underprivileged children and the elderly through education, livelihood, and sustainable development programs.

The FAWCO grant will specifically fund Bukas Palad’s nutrition program, which targets malnourished children. Beyond daily nutritious meals, the foundation also teaches children and their families healthy habits to foster long-term improvements in nutrition and lifestyle.

The $5,000 grant (approximately ₱270k) will provide meals for 20 children and cover the wages of four staff members responsible for preparing, cooking, and transporting the meals, as well as monitoring the children’s food intake over 120 school days.

“It’s our first time applying for the FAWCO Health Development Grant, and we are overjoyed to have won for the beneficiaries of our partner organization,” said AWCP President Denise Faulhaber.

This initiative is just one of many charitable endeavors that AWCP pursues. In talking about how this project aligns with AWCP’s core values.

"As AWCP, we have always been dedicated to serve the community in our host country. For us and our members, it’s important to give back as much as possible," co-president Keri Myers added.

The timing of the grant was critical, as Bukas Palad faced a funding gap for its school-based feeding program heading into the new school year.

Thanks to FAWCO’s Development Grant, AWCP stepped in to help Bukas Palad continue its vital work as the school year begins this June.

“We are so grateful for the grant and the help that AWCP has extended to us,” the foundation said.

“With the grant money, we will be able to continue our work with the children and families and help them become healthier and empower them to lead their lives with healthy habits.”

Faulhaber also emphasized the significance of FAWCO’s recognition, noting how a global organization has acknowledged the impact of a local grassroots charity.