Women in America are changing the face of philanthropy. With more money, increased control and influence over how it is spent, more women than ever are making philanthropic investments to help address and solve the problems of our time.

Meet local and dedicated women who make a difference through the power of collective giving

Since their founding in 2003, the members of Women in Philanthropy have granted approx. $1.3 million in grants to deserving nonprofit organizations throughout Beaufort County.

The Women in Philanthropy Fund is an endowed giving circle fund that continues to grow in perpetuity and currently has over $1.3 million of endowed funds. 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, and health and human services.

Women in Philanthropy Awards $148,700 in Grants to Local Organizations

Women in Philanthropy (WIP), a charitable giving circle of the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, awarded $148,700 in grants to six deserving Beaufort County nonprofits at its Annual Grant Awards Luncheon on May 20, 2025 at Country Club of Hilton Head. The theme of WIP’s 2025 grant cycle is “Building Pathways to Long-Term Self-Sufficiency.” The luncheon featured inspiring and emotional presentations by 2024 WIP grant recipients, as well as the announcement of the 2025 grantees. WIP, who has over 180 members, has granted approx. $1.3 million to local organizations since its inception in 2003!

The 2025 WIP Grant Recipients are:

Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry - $30,000

Bluffton Self Help - $22,000

The Children’s Center - $30,000

Deep Well Project (Circles Program) – $20,000

Lowcountry Gullah Foundation - $21,700

Lowcountry Legal Volunteers (LLV)- $25,000 (Dr. Juliann Bluitt Foster Memorial Fund Award)

WIP Organizational Documents and Links

WIP Strategic Plan 2025-27

WIP 2025 Grant Focus

WIP 2025 Grant Application Link

WIP Operating Guidelines

Officer and Standing Committee Responsibilities

Grant Cycle Document

Philanos Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Elements of Women in Philanthropy

Grantmaking

The grantmaking focus of Women in Philanthropy is strengthening families and individuals - typically in the areas of arts and culture, community development, education, the environment, health, and human services. The advisory board will establish the criteria for each cycle of funding for grant-seeking nonprofit organizations. You can find a complete history of WIP grantmaking here.

Membership

If you are interested in becoming a member of Women in Philanthropy, please take a moment to read our membership brochure. You may use the form in the brochure to send in your membership contribution. Please mail the form to: Community Foundation of the Lowcountry - WIP, P.O. Box 23019, Hilton Head Island, SC 29925. Or, it can be scanned and emailed to Lisa Hodge at lhodge@cf-lowcountry.org.

Newsletters

Annual Contribution

For ease and convenience, you may make your gift/charitable contribution online via credit card. To donate to Women in Philanthropy, click here.

If you prefer to mail a check, you may send it to:

Community Foundation of the Lowcountry - WIP, P.O. Box 23019
Hilton Head Island, SC 29925

*Please include "WIP Membership" in the memo line of your check.

If you'd like to make a gift of stock or IRA, call 843-681-9100.

WIP Events

WIP offers multiple events throughout the year for members and their guests, including spring and fall luncheons.

Guests are welcome at many of these gatherings. If you're interested in getting to know WIP through an event, view a recent newsletter or contact Lisa Hodge at lhodge@cf-lowcountry.org to find out what's coming up.

"I have always been a champion of women - their power and gifts - too often underestimated in our culture. I am attracted to the idea of women joining their voices, talents, creativity and strength and collectively pooling resources to create a better community and world. I would love to join this fine organization!"

- Women in Philanthropy Member

Advisory Board Members

Lesley Gilbert
Chair

Dedria Cruden
Vice-Chair

Mary-Stuart Alderman
Governance Chair

Kaye Black
Membership Chair

Lissette Castrillion
Finance Chair

Carole Galli
Education Chair

Gigi Maxfield
Communications Chair

Vicki Olson & Stephanie Santos
Events Chair

Shirley "Peaches" Peterson
Member at Large Chair

Pamela Stone
Grants Chair

Join Us!

For more details on membership and how you can get involved, contact Lisa Hodge at 843.681.9100.