Women's Giving Circle
Improving The Lives of Women & Girls throughout The Region.
In 2016, 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. These founders launched the Foundation's first giving circle. Established to raise funds to distribute to projects led by local nonprofits, the Women's Giving Circle 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.
A Story of Local Giving
Women's Giving Circle grantmaking is an opportunity to actively support nonprofits across the region. Each year, donors nominate eligible nonprofit organizations to apply to a competitive grant round. After the Women's Giving Circle grants committee narrows down applicaitons to the final four, donors cast their vote live at the July Annual Meeting after listening to presentations from each organization. This participatory and collective giving makes a larger impact in our communities!
"When we have the opportunity to help others, we should seize the moment. The Women's Giving Circle does exactly that—it opens the door for so many to be part of making a difference in the lives of women in our communities. Being a supporter of the Women's Giving Circle is very gratifying. Having the ability to help someone by coming together as a gorup can make the biggest difference." (Patsy Bowers, Women's Giving Circle Donor)
Your support of the Women's Giving Circle makes an impact on the lives of women and girls in your community. This story is just one example of the power of giving happening now because of the generosity of our donors.
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
2025
Brianna Apfelbaum Kula (Chair)
Ellen Withrow (Vice-Chair)
Tiffany Bienkowski (Secretary)
Colleen Bowman
Albra Heineman
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.