Women's Giving Circle

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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 establishing members 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.


Become a Member
Women's Giving Circle Events

A Story of Local Giving

In 2022, several exciting changes to the Women's Giving Circle's grantmaking process saw members take an active role in the grant round. Members nominated eligible nonprofit organizations to apply, and cast their vote live at the July Annual Meeting after listening to presentations from four grant finalists. 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 member 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 Member)


Impact Stories
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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 members.



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The Women's Giving Circle supports nonprofits and initiatives across the Community Giving Foundation's 5 1/2 county service area.

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.

The meaningful impact achieved through the Women's Giving Circle is only possible because of members like you! View a list of 2024 members here.

Become a 2025 Member


Grants Awarded

In 2023, the Women's Giving Circle invited its members 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).

Learn more about the benefits you receive as a member, including your roles in the nomination and selection process during the competitive grantround. See the full grantmaking process and guidelines here.

2023 Grant Recipients
Support Future Grants

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Becoming a Member

The power of collective giving allows us to increase our impact. The Women's Giving Circle is based on a membership model—all donations collected by the end of each year during an annual membership drive determines the amount of grants awarded the subsequent year. Several donation levels of membership are offered, allowing you to choose the level of giving that best suits your financial needs. Become a member today!


For More Information

Please contact us to learn more about the Foundation.

Steering Committee
2024

Linda Brown (Chair)
Brianna Apfelbaum Kula (Vice-Chair)
Patti Leighow (Secretary)
Athena Aardweg
Tiffany Bienkowski
Colleen Bowman
Stacey Napoli
Linda Neyhart
Jessica Owens Pastuszek
Pam Stetler
Amanda Stutzman
Ellen Withrow

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.



Women's Giving Circle News