Women's Giving Circle
Improving The Lives of Women & Girls throughout The Region.
In 2017, 12 women from across the Community Giving Foundation's 5 1/2 county service area came together to play an active role in changing the lives of women and girls in their communities. Established to raise funds to distribute to projects led by local nonprofits, the Women's Giving Circle awarded their first grants in 2018 to empower, connect, and inspire women and girls across the region. Today, the group continues to engage in new relationships, provide valuable grants to local organizations, and share their passions with the community.
The mission of the Women's Giving Circle is to empower, connect, and inspire women and girls by supporting initiatives and resources that better their lives.
Grant Impact Story
Many domestic violence survivors leave abusive relationships with little more than the clothes they carry and limited financial resouces to secure and furnish a new home. Finding support offered by organizations like Transitions of PA is essential. In 2022, a $10,000 grant from the Women's Giving Circle provided essential items to 27 households, turning empty spaces into homes.
For many families, having these items brought peace of mind during a stressful and uncertain time. "Working with my housing advocate and knowing the options they were able to assist me in starting over from scratch made me cry. I had a bed to sleep in and dishes to eat off, and they were mine. No one could take them from me," one program participant shared.
Because of this grant made possible by Women's Giving Circle donors, families leaving crisis situations were not only able to furnish their homes, but also gain dignity, stability, and a path towards long-term indpenednece. By bringing community members together to pool reosurces and fund meaningful programs across the region, this grant is just one example of how your donation to the Women's Giving Circle is creating lasting change and collective impact. Donate today and join this powerful community of philanthropists!
What is a Giving Circle?
A giving circle is a form of participatory philanthropy where groups of individuals donate their own money or time to a pooled fund, then decide together what projects and charities to make investments. In the process, the group seeks to increase their awareness of and engagement in the issues covered by the circle.
The Women's Giving Circle focuses on collaboration, empowerment, and learning. You will join a passionate group of women who are pooling their resources to make a difference and create a legacy. A giving circle is a great way for you and your friends to make a difference in our region—together.
Grants Awarded
In 2025, the Women's Giving Circle invited its donors and community partners to listen to grant presentations and vote live during the Annual Meeting. Four grant recipients presented requests and received awards (two $10,000 grants and two $500 grants).
For More Information
Steering Committee
2026
Ellen Withrow (Chair)
Tiffany Bienkowski (Vice-Chair)
Albra Heineman (Secretary)
Ashlee Bower
Colleen Bowman
Kelly Feiler
Cheryl Latorre
Linda Neyhart
Jessica Owens Pastuszek
Cynthia Schroll
Missy Shipton
Steering Committee Members are charged with evaluating grant applications, monitoring community strengths and needs among women and girls, and making site visits as needed to verify progress.