When I was a teen my family friends used to throw Mary Kay Cosmetics parties. Everything came in the color pink and the best part was hearing the story of Mary Kay Ash who found her life’s work by establishing her own direct sales business with $5,000 and the help of her son. Not only had she never used animal testing with her products, but her company won an award from the United Nations Environmental Program for leadership in environmental policies within the cosmetic industry. However, one of her best legacies has been her support of women and the quality of life they lead.

This week’s pick: The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF), founded in 1996 by Mary Kay Ash, the late head of Mary Kay Cosmetics, brings support to women who lack opportunity and financial resources. Currently applications for the 2008 Shelter Grant Program are being accepted. The Foundation awards $20,000 grants to 150 women’s shelters across the United States. Among the 2007 grantees were shelters in Saint Paul, Wilmar and Red Wing, Minnesota.

Monies received must be used for the operating budget of the shelter with the only exception being for staff travel. Submissions are due by Monday, June 30, 2008. For the Shelter Grant application, click here.

Other areas of interest that are funded through the Ash Foundation are cancer research and violence prevention for women.