Friends,

The Women's Giving Circle has been busy hosting and attending events this Spring and it has been wonderful connecting with many of you supporting our community along the way.

Read the full eNewsletter here

Thank you to the 57 women and girls who participated in the WGC's Big Give 2025 who collectively gave $32,000 in grants to our nonprofit partners!

We invited and received 30 applications for funding, and Big Give donors determined 3 nonprofit partners to receive funding: TurnAround ($10,000), Luminus ($5,000), and MakingChange ($5,000). Our WGC Break the Cycle Student Interns reviewed the applications as well and decided to invest in Voices for Change ($5,000) as part of their Mini Give.

​And, all Big Give donors had an opportunity to give an additional $500 to one of the 30 applicants, resulting in another $7,000 in grants to 10 nonprofit partners and $32,000 in total funding. Learn more here.

This, is the power of our giving circle.

Are you interested in getting involved? We have two upcoming events that I hope you will attend: WGC's "Leave Your Legacy Through Planned Giving" Virtual Lunch & Learn on June 16, 12:00 pm and WGC's "Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour" in Partnership with the Black Philanthropy Circle on August 5, 5:30 pm at the Community Foundation of Howard County. Learn more and register for both events here.

Thank you for all you do to support women and girls.

Please contact WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz with any questions.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Woods
WGC Advisory Board Chair
[email protected]
www.womensgivingcircle.org

 What a night at the WGC's Big Give 2025!

​The WGC's Big Give 2025 evening was a fun, meaningful, fast-paced giving circle experience where 57 women and girls collectively gave $32,000 to 14 nonprofit partners in Howard County, while learning and connecting.

Designed for women who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls in our community, The WGC's Big Give is a fast-paced, hands-on giving experience that provides opportunities to learn, connect, share, network, and celebrate their giving.  

"As the incoming President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, I firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​" said Melissa Curtin, WGC Big Give Chair. "WGC's Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future, and I am proud that the WGC is one of our largest, most visible, and most active funds of the foundation."

WGC's Big Give 2025 donors met first on May 12 to review grant applications and narrow down the three nonprofit partners they collectively chose to receive funding - TurnAround, Luminus, and MakingChange. Representatives from each organization joined WGC Big Give donors on May 19 to provide a presentation, and then our Big Give donors made final decisions on grant award amounts. ​Read about the WGC's Big Give 2025 Kick Off meeting on May 12, 2025.

"We are proud to support our nonprofit partners on the ground focusing on women, girls, and families in our community" said Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC Grants Committee Chair. "The WGC's Big Give is a wonderful hands-on opportunity to bring more voices and lived experiences to the philanthropic table."

50 WGC Big Give Donors pooled $20,000 and gave the following grant awards:

• TurnAround: $10,000 to support building anti-trafficking programming in Howard County.
• Luminus: $5,000 to support vital services for women and girls in need of immigration related legal services.
• MakingChange: $5,000 to support financial education for women at Highland House and women who are incarcerated at the Howard County Detention Center.

The WGC's Mini Give is part of our WGC "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive and Student Intern Program, where our interns meet monthly, learn about philanthropy. leadership, period poverty and help to support WGC's period product collection efforts to support our nonprofit partners. Our student interns reviewed the 30 Big Give applications and together made a decision on their Mini Give grant award.

"We are so proud of these amazing young women" said Paula Seabright, WGC Break the Cycle Chair. "They spent the last nine months learning about philanthropy and how to affect change, which they most certainly have done." 

7 WGC Mini Give "Break the Cycle" Student Interns gave a $5,000 grant award: 

• Voices for Children: $5,000 to provide feminine hygiene products for one year to 40 girls and young women ages 11-25 in the foster care system and in the Foster Youth to Independence program.

11 WGC Big Give Spirit Awards totaling $7,000:

And each WGC Big Give team and our Student Intern Mini Give team gave a $500 Big Give Spirit Award grant to one of the 30 nonprofit partners that applied to receive funding from the WGC Big Give of their choice, totaling $7,000:

• Ballet After Dark: $500 to expand curriculum trainings and child abuse prevention tools to Howard County.
• Bridges to Housing Stability: $1000 to support women with education and career support, transportation, childcare assistance and translation services.
• Columbia Housing Center: $500 to support one-time emergency rent assistance for HCC students in their rent subsidy program who experience a temporary loss of income.
• Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center: $500 to to support staffing, materials, transportation, and space for the activities of the EmpowerHer Howard program.
• Girls on the Run of Central Maryland: $500 to provide equipment and resources to GOTR coaches.
• LindaBen Foundation: $1,000 to fund Girls Grow Healthy which will engage at least 200 girls and women across
  Howard County in youth-led nutrition, wellness, and hunger relief efforts.
• MakingChange: $500 to support financial education for women at Highland House and women who are incarcerated at the Howard County Detention Center.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center: $1,000 to fund two cohorts of Rooted Conversations: A Circle Series for Women Learning to Transform Suppressed Anger; one for women and one for girls age 14 and up.
• Ohana of Howard County: $500 support training for female program mentors.
• Rebuilding Together: $500 to support a female-led, all female volunteer repair team providing repairs on the home of a 68 year old female HoCo resident.
• Thomas Viaduct Middle School PTA: $500 to support an after school STEM program for girls.

"WGC Big Give Donors were invited to celebrate their giving and show their excitement and comaraderie through team spirit, which can be seen in this year's pictures" said Dee Athey, Director of Grants and Community Outreach at the Community Foundation of Howard County. "Their efforts to review the Big Give applications and determine what nonprofit partners to fund were serious, and they also added some fun and spice to the important process of giving away money thoughtfully, and effectively."

When asked to describe in one word how WGC Big Give and Mini Give donors felt awarding these grants, here's what they said: "Grateful", "Optimistic", "Determined", "Amazing", "Open-Minded", "Philanthropic", "Inspired", "Fulfilled", "Excited", "Connected", "Hopeful", "Proud", "Curious", "Happy", "Spicy", "Energized", "Positive", "Elevated", "Wonderful", "Dynamic", "Elated", "Psyched", "Bright", "Mindful", "Inclusive", "Powerful", and "United"!

This, is the power of our giving circle: 57 women + $32,000 + 14 nonprofit partners = 1 WGC Big Give community!

"Giving circles are a movement, not a moment" said WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz. "We are more than donors - we are neighbors, advocates, and changemakers who are leveraging our voices and dollars to have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone though the power of collective giving." ​

For the second year we were honored to be hosted by our partners at Vectorworks, a 3D design software company that has its global headquarters in Columbia.

"We are excited to continue to partner with the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County" said Lee Draminski, WGC Advisory Board member and Vectorworks professional. "We love supporting our local community through the WGC Period Product Drive, hosting The WGC Big Give, and in numerous other ways!"

You can learn more about the WGC's Big Give 2025 here and view photos below! Interested in participating? Sign up for the WGC's Big Give 2026 here!

"I am thrilled to be a part of the WGC's Big Give said Kashonna Marrow, WGC's Membership & Development Committee Chair. "The Big Give has grown each year in the number of women and girls who are participating and in the amount of grant awards we are able to provide to our nonprofit partners, and our goal for 2026 is to engage 100 individual donors or teams - sign up today to join us!"  

WGC Leader Melissa Curtin Named Community Foundation President & CEO

The WGC is thrilled to welcome Melissa Curtin as the newly appointed President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County.

Curtin brings extensive experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to CFHoCo, including a successful tenure as President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, where she, the Board of Trustees and the staff team tripled annual grantmaking and assets under management in less than three years.

“I believe deeply in the power of philanthropy and the vital partnerships between nonprofits, donors, and our community,” said Curtin. “I’m honored to join the Community Foundation of Howard County and to partner with the Board of Trustees, the dedicated staff, generous donors, and community partners to expand the Foundation’s impact and contribute along with those who are already shaping a stronger, more equitable Howard County.”

Curtin currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation and the Board of Directors for the Touchstones Discussion Project. She served on the Advisory Board for the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, a fund at CFHoCo, and is currently the Chair of The WGC’s “Big Give” 2025.

"Melissa is a long-time WGC leader and current Chair of the WGC's Big Give" said Jennifer Woods, WGC Chair. "As a fund of the Community Foundation, we are excited to work closely together with Melissa and the team to support our community."

She previously served on the boards of the Maryland Philanthropy Network, Maryland Community Foundation Association, Standards for Excellence National Council, Maryland Nonprofits and the Maryland Commission for Women. Curtin holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Wyoming, along with numerous professional certifications.

"We are so fortunate to work with Melissa in this new leadership capacity" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. "She has vast experience in the sector and a unique understanding of the opportunities that Community Foundations and giving circles have to bring more diverse voices and lived experiences to the philanthropic table to support our community."

Curtin succeeds Beverly White-Seals, who led the Foundation for the past 13 years and is transitioning into a part-time position as Chief Executive Grandmother for her two young grandchildren.

Here is the official announcement

“Melissa’s proven track record of community foundation leadership, combined with her deep commitment to Howard County, where she has lived for over a decade, makes her the ideal person to lead the Foundation into its next chapter,” said Barbara Rishel, Chair of the CFHoCo Board of Trustees. “Her strategic vision, fundraising expertise and collaborative approach to community engagement align perfectly with our mission and values.”

It was a beautiful day at the Books in Bloom Literary and Arts Festival! The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County was a Sponsor, had a table promoting our “Break the Cycle” Period Product Drive, and we were honored to MC the inspiring "Spilled Milk" Storytelling Event About Motherhood - great start to Mother's Day weekend - Happy Mother's Day to all who mother all the things ​

At the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, we are always looking for ways to work smarter, communicate more effectively, and amplify our impact. As part of these efforts, last year we started occasionally using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support and supplement some of our writing and communications.

I am writing this blog post about the use of AI - using AI - while listening to a fascinating conversation about "Going Beyond AI Ethics" as part of the Global We Give Summit because it was suggested as a positive thing to do for those of us in the nonprofit sector.

So, why are we starting to use AI?

Well, because it helps us brainstorm, draft, and edit materials — from blog posts like this one to newsletters and internal documents. It saves time and expands our capacity, which is especially valuable in a mostly volunteer-driven, community-focused giving circle like ours.

We’re always looking for ways to innovate while staying rooted in our mission and using AI thoughtfully at times helps us communicate more effectively, operate more efficiently, and ultimately better serve our community.

But just as important as how we use AI is why and under what values.

​We are committed to using these tools ethically and responsibly — always guided by human oversight, accuracy, confidentiality, and alignment with our mission. AI is a supplement, not a substitute, for the thoughtfulness, care, and purpose-driven decision-making at the heart of our work.

We will also be adding a statement about our use of AI to our governance documents, to ensure clarity and accountability as this technology evolves.

Our work is about community, connection, and trust. We believe that being transparent about how we work — including the tools we use — is one more way we can honor those values.

Many thanks to the team at Philanthropy Together for their efforts to bring important conversations and information like this into the collective giving space, and for Nathan Chappell for the great conversation today at the We Give Summit! 

Feel free to reach out with any questions!

 - Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director

Happy Earth Day!

​The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories".

Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community.​

This month we are profiling Bess Caplan in Honor of Earth Day.

​Read her full profile here

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?

"Many hands make light work.  There is always something you can do to give back.  Maybe it's time, maybe it's money, maybe it's sharing an idea.  Maybe it's just as simple as teaching your kids to pick up their trash instead of throwing it on the ground. Or as simple as sending a heartfelt message to your child's teacher.  We can all contribute and we all should contribute. We’re in this together."

Bess supports the following:
​
Wilde Lake CARES, Howard County Conservancy, and the Running Brook PTA​

Learn more about the ​WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" and nominate a woman today! We are always accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled for their inspiring philanthropic leadership.

The Horizon Foundation is the largest independent health philanthropy in Maryland. We are committed to a Howard County free from systemic inequities, where all people can live abundant and healthy lives. We fight for equitable and compassionate health and mental health care, access to affordable and safe homes, a community where healthy food is accessible and affordable and where all residents are able to generate and pass down wealth. Our mission is to work side by side with community to build power, advocate for policy change and dismantle structural racism to achieve better health for everyone in Howard County and greater Maryland. www.thehorizonfoundation.org
​​
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. We bring women together to learn about issues impacting women and girls in our community, and pool our dollars to fund programs that address those issues so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. We have been part of the Howard County community for 22+ years, have given $1.2 M+ to our nonprofit partners and we have a $1.1 M endowment from 1,700+ donors that will ensure that there are funds to support women and girls in our community in perpetuity. www.womensgivingcircle.org

The Power of Philanthropy in Stakeholder Orientation: A Conversation with Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and Kashonna Marrow

As community and business leaders, we know that success is not just measured by profits, but by the impact we have on the people and communities we serve. This philosophy is at the heart of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and we were excited to participate in a recent panel hosted by Conscious Capitalism of Central Maryland. The discussion centered around the intersection of philanthropy and stakeholder orientation—a topic we are both passionate about.

Why Stakeholder Orientation Matters

At the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC), we have always believed that businesses thrive when they take a broader view—when they see beyond the bottom line to recognize the needs and concerns of all their stakeholders. This means not only considering customers and employees but also communities, partners, and even the environment.
Stakeholder orientation isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a core principle that leads to long-term sustainability and trust. A conscious business listens to its stakeholders and takes responsible actions that support both social and financial well-being. This resonated with us at WGC and with many of the local business leaders we connected with during the panel.

Additionally, as a board member of Philanos, the national network for women’s collective giving, Buffy has seen how these same principles apply on a larger scale. Collective giving networks like Philanos exemplify the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement in creating lasting change. This model not only fosters philanthropy but also promotes a sense of shared responsibility and alignment with core values—a hallmark of conscious businesses.

The Role of Collective Giving

One of the ways we practice stakeholder orientation at WGC is through collective giving. We believe that the most powerful way to make an impact is when we come together, pooling our resources, ideas, and energy toward shared goals. This model doesn’t just drive financial support for women and girls in Howard County—it fosters collaboration and strengthens relationships within the community.

As community and business leaders, we saw this same spirit of collaboration in action. Kashonna Marrow, a WGC Advisory Board Member and the CEO of Simply Kashonna, shared how the values of collective giving directly align with her business leadership. Whether building internal teams or engaging with clients, Kashonna’s company exemplifies the power of collaboration to reach meaningful, long-term results.

Diverse Ways of Giving

At WGC, we understand that people give in many different ways—whether through time, talent, treasure, or testimony. This diversity makes our work stronger and more inclusive, inviting a variety of voices to help shape the future. During the panel, we explored how businesses can support multiple forms of giving and why this diversity leads to deeper connections with stakeholders.

As a business owner, Kashonna shared firsthand how different types of engagement—volunteering, mentoring, or direct contributions—create a well-rounded approach to giving. Simply Kashonna nurtures these opportunities for her team and community, ultimately strengthening her business’s commitment to stakeholder values.

Giving is Good for the Community, and Good for Business

When a business incorporates philanthropy into its stakeholder orientation, it reaps multiple benefits that extend well beyond goodwill. Here are the five main things a business can gain:

1. Strengthened Trust and Loyalty - Philanthropic initiatives signal that a business values more than profit and customers, employees, and partners are more likely to stay loyal to a company that invests in causes they care about.
   
2. Enhanced Brand Reputation and Visibility - Giving back boosts a company's public image and differentiates it from competitors and philanthropy creates authentic storytelling opportunities that resonate with socially conscious audiences.
   
3. Deeper Stakeholder Engagement - Encouraging diverse forms of giving (time, talent, treasure, testimony, ties) invites broader participation and employees and partners feel more connected and purposeful, increasing morale and collaboration.
   
4. Attraction and Retention of Talent - Purpose-driven businesses are especially appealing to younger generations of workers who value mission-aligned employers, and philanthropy builds a workplace culture that attracts people who want to make a difference.
   
5. Long-Term Sustainability and Impact - Investing in communities and causes leads to more stable, supportive environments in which the business can thrive, and strategic philanthropy helps businesses identify risks, innovate solutions, and build lasting partnerships.

Building Relationships from the Inside Out

One of the most important takeaways from our work at WGC is the understanding that how we treat each other internally directly impacts how we engage externally. A strong internal culture—built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose—forms the foundation for external impact. Businesses that align their internal practices with their outward commitments build credibility and trust with their stakeholders.

Kashonna spoke to this concept in the context of her own business, where a positive, purpose-driven internal culture has created a ripple effect of success in external relationships with clients and partners. By investing in people first, businesses can create lasting, meaningful change both within and outside the organization.

Reflections from the Discussion

We were thrilled to engage with fellow business leaders who care about being good corporate citizens. The conversation explored how philanthropy, stakeholder orientation, and a focus on people can help businesses thrive for the long term. By aligning values, purpose, and actions, we can all make a real difference.
​
We’re grateful to have shared this conversation and look forward to seeing how the principles of stakeholder orientation continue to shape responsible, sustainable businesses in our community and beyond.

Happy Women's History Month and International Women's Day!

​The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories".

Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community.​

This month we are profiling Judy L. Smith in Honor of Women's History Month.

​Read Judy's full profile here

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?

"For as long as I can remember, I have been giving to issues that are important to me.  As a child, I remember my parents providing opportunities for us to support our neighbors, community and local schools.  This behavior became a habit and carried on into my adulthood.  It was reinforced by the companies that I worked for through corporate outreach."

​Judy supports the following:
​
"Other than the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, I support the Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, Howard County Library System, and Howard Community College."

Learn more about the ​WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" and nominate a woman today! We are always accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled for their inspiring philanthropic leadership.

Happy Women's History Month!

We had a fabulous night on March ​4 at WGC's 202​5 Annual Celebration & Pink Party!​ 

It was wonderful to have so many of us together ​last night at Howard Community College to discuss how philanthropy can, and is, supporting women's health.

View photos from the event below​ and review the event slide deck here.

​WGC Events Committee Chair Jade McClary welcomed everyone and mentioned that Time Magazine report​e​d that dozens of congresswomen ​were planning to wear pink ​last night to the Joint Address to Congress to signal protest against policies that are negatively impacting women and families.​

As Jade said, "while pink is our branded color, and beautiful, it is also a color of power and protest, and one that​ the WGC will continue to embrace.​"

We honored ​former WGC ​A​dvisory Board Member ​J​udy Smith for Women's History Month, and we enjoyed delicious food from Chef Jamila, non-alcoholic drinks from Beth Harbinson and Sobar, and women-made wine from The Wine Bin.

WGC Chair Jennifer ​W​oods declared that the state of the WGC is strong​. She provided 10 ​data points about our impact the last 2​3 years​,​ and highlighted the role that WGC is playing ​locally, regionally, and nationally in growing the women's collective giving movement​:

• $1.2 million in grants
• $1.1 million endowment
• 1,700+ donors 

​As Jen said, "this is the power of our giving circle.​"

​WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz welcomed everyone and underscored the power of collective giving. She highlighted that we are more than donors—we are neighbors, advocates, and changemakers​, and as a people-powered philanthropic ecosystem, we are committed to engaging in conversations and partnerships that continue to leverage our collective voices and collective power to support our community. 

A​s Buffy said, "giving circles like the WGC are a movement, not a moment​."

In advance of ​our Annual Celebration we invited ​the community to let us know what you are thinking about women’s health, and ​Buffy provided a sampling of what we heard:

• “I have concerns about misinformation around reproductive health and rights.”
• “I am concerned about the lack of consensus on how to help women and their bodies during menopause.”
• “I am concerned that women won't be able to afford even basic healthcare in the future.”
• “Women's health is being managed by men.”
• “I am worried for myself, my family, my friends, and my community.”

​We then welcomed Keynote Speaker Elizabeth Edsall Kromm, PhD, MSc, Assistant Secretary, Population Health and Strategic Initiatives, Maryland Department of Health​, who attempted to address these concerns while discuss​ing gaps in the continuum of women’s health​, focusing on menstrual health, reproductive health, maternal health, and menopausal health in our community, and how philanthropy can, and is, providing support.

A​s Elizabeth said, "philanthropy can help by supporting policy advocacy, staying up-to-date with needs and issues as identified by key coalitions and organizations, and looking to maximize impact."
​
​Candace Dodson-Reed, Vice Chair of the WGC, and Chair of our Grants Committee ​then mentioned ​how proud ​she is of the work we are doing in terms of investing our collective dollars in the community to support women and girls. ​She noted that it is a challenging time for women and girls, and we know that less than 2% of overall charitable giving in the US goes to organizations that support women and girls. This is something that the WGC - along with many other women’s giving circles and funders - are focusing on.​ She reviewed the WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County, and how we continue to utilize the data to inform our grantmaking and partner in the community​ and then provided four data points about the continuum of women's health and four examples of how WGC has recently provided funding.

As Candace said, "WGC has always walked the talk, and I am especially proud in this current environment.​"

Candace introduced Paula Seabright, Chair of WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive to highlight some of the specific work WGC is doing to support menstrual health. Paula explained that "Break the Cycle" is our effort to highlight period poverty through education, fundraising, and grantmaking to support women and girls in Howard County. One part of this work is hosting seven amazing student interns who are supporting these efforts, all of whom spoke to attendees about their thoughts on their experience this year.

As Paula said, "I have had the honor of leading these young women on a journey to learn more about philanthropy, women’s philanthropy, and how an organization like the Women’s Giving Circle can make an impact on issues impacting women’s health. We have focused on period poverty because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked."

WGC Advisory Board Member​s Kashonna Marrow​ and Jade McClary ended the celebration with information on how to give and get involved in the WGC. After the Annual Celebration, many of you asked how you can get or remain involved in our collective work. 

Here are 10 ways to engage in the coming months:
​

1. Sponsor the WGC Throughout 20​25
2. Drop off Period Products for our Break the Cycle Product Drive on April 26, 9:00 - 11:00 am, at HCC, Lot B
3. Participate in the WGC's 2025 Our Giving, Our Stories
4. Join the WGC and the Horizon Foundation for a Conversation to Discuss our New Report: Elevating to Evolve on March 27, 4:00 - 5:30 pm at ACS or April 1, 8:30 - 10:00 am at ACS
   
5. Participate in the Big Give 2025 on May 12 and May 19, 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Vectorworks
6. Join the WGC at the Community Foundation's 2025 Spring Party on May 15, 5:00 pm
7. Participate in WGC's “Leave Your Legacy Through Planned Giving” Virtual Lunch & Learn on June 16 at 12:00 pm
8. Attend the WGC's 2025 Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour on August 5 at the Community Foundation
9. Participate in WGC's “Leave Your Legacy Through Planned Giving” Virtual Lunch & Learn on September 9 at 12:00 pm
10. Join Us for a Conversation on Menopause with the Howard Hospital Foundation on October 16, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at The Pearl Modern Spa 

Many thanks to all of our sponsors so far this year, those who attended the event, and to everyone who supports the WGC and all that you do to support women's rights in Howard County. 

As Kashonna said, "We women are using our collective voices, power, and financial resources to support women’s rights in many forms, and utilizing the power of collective philanthropy. We truly are stronger together."

Thank you for joining us!

Last fall we announced our partnership with the Horizon Foundation to fund a new report highlighting stories and wisdom from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County.

The report, “Elevating to Evolve: Stories of Wisdom, Excellence, and a Call for Change from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County” highlights Black women's experiences in nonprofit leadership in Howard County and how we all can better support them.

This new report highlights stories and wisdom from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County who are currently or formerly in nonprofit leadership positions, those who have declined positions of leadership, and those in the potential pipeline for leadership in the future.  

The goal of the report is to elevate their stories and experiences, and to share perspectives on how we can better support women of color leaders as individuals, boards, and specifically as funders. With this report we hope to be better allies, better funders, and to be a more supportive community particularly to Black women in nonprofit leadership roles.
​
We will soon release the report and provide information on how you can learn more about the report, and the action items for all of us within it.

Join the WGC and the Horizon Foundation for a Conversation to Discuss our New Report: Elevating to Evolve on March 27, 4:00 - 5:30 pm at ACS or April 1, 8:30 - 10:00 am at ACS - email [email protected] for further information.

Why I Do What I Do
By Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director

I remember sitting at my kitchen table, watching my mother write a check to a local organization she supported. It wasn’t a big check, but it was always consistent—and always intentional. “You give what you can, when you can,” she’d say. “That’s how we help each other.”

That stuck with me.

Over the years, I’ve carried her wisdom into every space I’ve worked in—nonprofits, philanthropy, advocacy. Whether I was leading communications at a national philanthropic network or supporting grassroots initiatives right here in Howard County, I saw the same truth play out again and again: lasting change happens when people come together with shared purpose.

That’s why I do what I do.

At the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, I’ve found a home where values meet action. We’re not just writing checks—we’re building relationships, lifting up women and girls, and investing in the future of our community. Through our collective giving, we’ve supported dozens of local nonprofits, mobilized quickly in times of crisis, and helped shine a light on women’s leadership in meaningful ways.

And through it all, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people like you—people who care deeply, who show up, who ask hard questions and seek better answers. You may be a longtime donor or someone just starting to explore how to give back. You might be carrying your own mother's wisdom, or wondering how your voice fits into the broader story.

Wherever you are, I see you.

I do this work because I believe in women. I believe in community. And I believe that when we come together with purpose, we can create the kind of world our mothers hoped for—and our daughters deserve. If this speaks to you, I’d love to hear your story, too.

​There’s room for you at the table.

Join us at the Women’s Giving Circle—whether you're ready to give, want to connect, or are simply curious, we welcome you.