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 built an endowment of more than $1 million. And, since 2006, over $685,000 in grants has been awarded to nonprofit organizations throughout Beaufort County.

The Women in Philanthropy Fund is an endowed giving circle fund that continues to 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, and health and human services.

To learn more, review WIP's operating guidelines and read some of the frequently asked questions about Women in Philanthropy.

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. With this in mind, the advisory committee will establish the criteria for each cycle of funding for grant-seeking nonprofit organizations.

In April of 2021, Women in Philanthropy awarded $85,000 in grants addressing their theme: “Provide a New Major Impact Program for Assisting in Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Three Areas: Medical and Mental Health Issues, Education Issues and Employment Issues.” For maximum impact, only three grants were awarded - one for $25,000 and two at $30,000 each.

Fiscal year 2022 grant opportunities are now available. Women in Philanthropy will continue to address the effects of the pandemic. with grants in the range of $25,000, addressing the theme: "Continuing Efforts for Pandemic Recovery to Address Issues of Family Stability." Grant requests must be specific to this theme. Clarity in project description and statements are part of the evaluation process. Project grants will be awarded in May 2022, and the project must be completed no later than April 30, 2023, when the final report is due. For more information, click here.

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.

The form may be mailed to us at 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

Here is a sampling of our most recent WIP 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. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, neither luncheon was held in 2020. In their place, the WIP advisory board held a virtual annual meeting to highlight previous-year grant successes, as well as grantmaking themes for the new year - and much more. You can watch the event here.

You may also watch our virtual annual meeting, which was held in May of 2021, by clicking here.


In 2021, many in-person events are resuming. 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

Elizabeth Loda
Chair

Lesley Gilbert
Vice Chair, Finance Chair

Mary-Stuart Alderman
Grants Chair

Kaye Black
Membership Cultivation Chair

Betty Irby
Governance Chair

Carole Johnson
Education Chair

Gigi Maxfield
Communications Chair

Martha Anne McDonald
Membership Records Chair

Rosalie VanDam
Events Chair

Join Us!

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

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