Mission and Process
The Women’s Giving Circle of the Community Giving Foundation empowers, connects, and inspires women and girls by supporting initiatives and resources that better their lives.
The grant process is designed to engage donors in identifying and supporting programs that meet its mission throughout the service area. After applications are received, the Steering Committee will select four finalists to present at an annual event where donors are given the opportunity to cast their vote on the final recipient(s).
Eligibility and Restrictions
- applicant must have a 501c3 IRS tax exempt designation or be a governmental organization
- applicant’s proposal must address the needs of women and/or girls
- applicant’s proposal must serve residents within the Foundation service area (Lower-Luzerne, Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, and Snyder counties)
- the Foundation does not award grants to individuals
- the Foundation does not award grants that serve an exclusively religious purpose
- grants are made for future programs/projects only, funding will not be awarded to projects completed before final board approval
- the Foundation discourages repeated applications for sustained funding of programs
Evaluation Criteria
The Women’s Giving Circle favors programs/projects that:
- programs whose primary beneficiaries are women and/or girls
- give a clear and concise explanation of the program
- fulfill the applicant’s mission statement
- establish measurable goals and have an evaluation process for reviewing and promoting best practices
- demonstrate how positive outcomes of the program will be sustained and have a sound organizational sustainability plan
- do not duplicate services provided by other community organizations
- include collaboration with other organizations
2026 Timeline (tentative)
- June: Application process opens through the Foundation’s grant website.
- August: Application deadline (online)
- August: Steering Committee reviews applications and selects four finalists.
- September: Applicants are notified of decisions. Presentation guidelines distributed to finalists.
- October: Finalists present at annual event. Donors cast their vote at the event. Grant winner(s) announced.
How to Apply
Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply through the Foundation's online grant system. To begin the application process, log in here. More information to come.
Contact
Contact Karri Harter, Grant and Scholarship Administrator, at [email protected] or 570-752-3930.