Women in Philanthropy, a new group at Eastern Michigan University, has awarded $41,000 in grants aimed at benefiting university students.

The group seeks to strengthen ties between women and EMU, to educate about the power of philanthropy, and to increase gifts by women to EMU.

The proposals for grants came from EMU faculty members and university-sponsored student groups and are focused on special learning experiences.

Donna Schmitt-Oliver, emeritus professor and co-president of the 41-member Women in Philanthropy group, said the group hopes to make an impact on a variety of educational processes for students in the coming year.

Each member of group is asked to make a gift of $1,000 per year for a minimum of three years to the Women in Philanthropy at EMU fund.

There are 10 projects and proposals being funded including: "Open Book Catalog and Intensive Summer Workshop at EMU Parson Center," "Scholarship Funding for Representing the Holocaust," A Study Abroad," "Let's Watch: Playing and Learning Through Our Stories; Bridges to Understanding," and "Creating a World of Active Citizens." Alternative Spring Break."

The $41,000 award is part of EMU's $50 million fundraising campaign called "Invest.Inspire. The campaign for Eastern Michigan University." It's the largest comprehensive campaign in Eastern's history and has raised $36.5 million.

For more information, go to www.emufoundation.org.