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
For parents navigating tough economic times, the simple act of preparing children for school and play can bring immense stress. To meet this need, the Union County Giving Closet provides personalized care packages with seven complete outfits, tailored to a child's unique style, size, and situation. In 2023, a $10,000 grant from the Women's Giving Circle helped this program serve 64 households, offering care packages to 150 children.
"The Union County Giving Closet has been a huge blessing to my whole family. They blow me away with how detailed they are. They listened to each of my children's wants and needs and made them feel so special," one family shared.
Because of this grant made possible by Women's Giving Circle donors, families navigating financial strain gained dignity and stability while children stepped into their classrooms with confidence for the future. 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.