March 2001, twenty-five women completed the first Women's Fund OPTIONS program. Named for the words outreach, projects, trips, information, opportunities, networking and service, OPTIONS targets women between the ages of 25 and 40, a time when most women have established themselves professionally, financially and socially. This is often the time when women become aware of the needs in their communities and their own desire to help.

OPTIONS enables women to explore philanthropic opportunities and discover the ones that match well with their interests, objectives and values. At the same time, it allows them to connect with other central Indiana women who have both contributed to and benefited from charitable organizations. Participants also network with Women's Fund Advisory Board members who have already established themselves as involved citizens.

OPTIONS offers real connections to the community through field trips, hands-on projects and luncheons with other philanthropic women in central Indiana . Members are invited to attend monthly events including six educational sessions and six field trips. Program participants study issues affecting women and girls in central Indiana and have the opportunity to participate in grantmaking.