WATERVILLE -- Hardy Girls/Healthy Women has developed whole curriculums around combating girl fighting and gay phobia, but budget restraints have put tight limits on getting that information out -- until now.

A $165,000 grant by a Boston-based philanthropic foundation will greatly ease the task of spreading the word, according to Karen Heck, one of the founders of Hardy Girls.

"People have been wanting us to come in and do training for them," she said. "This grant will allow us to respond to those requests."

The grant came through Jane's Trust, a pool of money established by the late Jane B. Cook, a Massachusetts woman known throughout her life for her charitable work.

Heck said Hardy Girls competed against about 400 applicants and was one of only a handful to earn a grant award. A spokesperson with Jane's Trust declined to comment on the award, citing organization policy.

Recognition from such a prominent foundation, Heck said, has an impact that goes far beyond a greater ability to distribute educational material.

"It gives us a certain amount of credibility to be recognized this way by an out-of-state organization," she said, "and reinforces for our supporters that what we are doing is grounded in research."

Megan Williams, executive director of Hardy Girls, said the hope is that the enhanced credibility will build the organization's pool of loyal supporters and thereby create a more stable source of funding.

Williams said one of the goals of Hardy Girls is to become less reliant on grants for its operational needs.

Heck said Hardy Girls' revenue comes from sales of its literature, supporter donations, fundraising events and grants.

Founded seven years ago, Hardy Girls is the brainchild of Heck, Lyn Mikel Brown and Lynn Cole.

Brown, a professor of education and human development at Colby College, has written two well received books on the social and psychological development of girls: "Raising Their Voices: the Politics of Girls' Anger," and "Girlfighting: Betrayal and Rejection Among Girls."

Cole, who earned a master's degree in communications management from Simmons College, has expertise in the direct service industry as well as in administration and fundraising.

Heck, who has a master's degree in human development and human relations, has dedicated her professional career to women's issues, reproductive health and the healthy development of girls.

Hardy Girls was one of the organizations behind the play "Ugly Ducklings," a production that deals with gay phobia. A film version of that project will make its New York City premiere next month.