Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

Women in Philanthropy

Although women have always been a force in the world of philanthropy, their role in that arena is changing. Experts say that while women have formed the core of the nation's volunteer base for many years, they now have the financial resources needed to make their mark in charitable giving. 

NEWS AND UPDATES
Women in Philanthropy was recently awarded a matching grant from the Community Foundation.  Read more here.

PROGRAMS
As a member, you could choose to be involved in:

• Coming together with other community-minded women to share ideas
• Making decisions about how funds will be invested in community programs
  Playing a leadership role in the initiative by serving on a committee
• Learning about the philanthropic potential of women
• Educational events that inform you about the needs of nonprofit organizations in the community
• Mentoring programs to encourage younger women and girls to be successful, community-minded individuals

FAST FACTS
The Women in Philanthropy Fund was created in 2003 through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Women in Philanthropy is part of a growing movement nationwide, which allows women to take advantage of their unique motivations to give back to their communities.  More than $50 million in grants have been given by women’s funds internationally.

The Women in Philanthropy Fund is an endowment fund that will grow in perpetuity.  The Fund is invested prudently, and provides grants to help strengthen families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services.

Women in Philanthropy Organizational Structure:
Advisory Board of 10 women
Nearly 200 members

Working Committees:

• Grants Committee
• Education Committee
• Events Committee
• Membership Committee
• Communications Committee

PUBLICATIONS
Women in Philanthropy produces an E- newsletter for its members 10 times a year.  Below is a selection of past issues.

• Spring 2008
• Fall 2008
• Winter 2008
• Spring 2009
• Summer 2009

GRANTMAKING
The grantmaking focus of Women in Philanthropy is strengthening families and individuals in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services.  With this in mind, the advisory committee will establish the criteria for each cycle of funding for grantseeking nonprofit organizations.

In its fifth year of grantmaking, Women in Philanthropy, a fund of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is seeking grant applications with a focus on “Helping the Hungry” from organizations that offer programs to individuals and families who reside in Beaufort County. For this grant program, applications are invited from nonprofit organizations only and grant requests must be specific to the focus theme. 

The 2010 grant cycle is closed.  Please check back in the fall of 2010 for information on the 2011 grant cycle.

MEMBERSHIP

If you are interested in becoming a member of Women in Philanthropy, please take a moment to download the membership brochure here.