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:
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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
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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.
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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:
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"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."
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​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:
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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.
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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.

Collective giving thrives on the power of community-based organizations—our nonprofit partners, who are closest to those in need and play a vital role in our society. Yet, in the last week, the nonprofit community has been rocked by confusion and concern following executive orders from the current administration, with further policy changes looming that could impact the entire social sector and our most vulnerable communities.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is monitoring these recent actions - as a fund that is building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County, we are committed to engaging in conversations and partnerships that leverage our voices and collective power to support our community.

Here are three ways you can make a difference during these challenging times to support the nonprofit community:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest policy developments and understand their impact on the nonprofit sector. Knowledge empowers us to act wisely and effectively. The National Council of Nonprofits has a continuously updated chart tracking Executive Orders that impact nonprofits and their current legal status.

 

• Support with Unrestricted Funds: Consider providing flexible funding that nonprofits can use where they are needed most, especially those who will experience funding gaps due to the changes, allowing them to respond swiftly to emerging challenges.

 

• Advocate with Community Partners: Stand in solidarity with local organizations and community advocates to defend and promote policies that strengthen our social safety net.

Now is the moment to unite our efforts and harness the strength of our community. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that our nonprofit partners have the support they need.

Join us.

* Adapted from our partners at Philanthropy Together

One of WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive interns picked up a car full of products today from our partners at the Howard County Library System and dropped them off to our partners at Howard County Public School System.

We are honored to work in partnership with so many to support women and girls in our community. 

Learn more about WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive here.

As we begin the new year, we are proud that the WGC continues to play a role in leading the national women’s collective giving movement and the growth of the philanthropic sector overall.

WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, and our Immediate Past Chair, Barb Van Winkle currently serve on the Board of Philanos, the national women’s collective giving organization. Philanos’ mission is to support and strengthen women's collective giving organizations through education and collaboration designed to promote women's philanthropy and informed, impactful grant making in communities. Barb serves on the Executive Committee as the Treasurer and Buffy is the co-Chair of the Communications Committee. Philanos hosts monthly webinars and regular Affinity Group virtual meetings that all WGC donors are invited to attend! Learn more here.

In October 2024, WGC leaders worked on a national level to bring attention and resources to underserved communities through collective giving by participating in multiple convenings and educational experiences  with the Philanos Board of Directors in Mississippi and Alabama. This trip provided an unprecedented opportunity for the Philanos Board, and for Barb and Buffy to learn about the history and current conditions in the South, and how we can help elevate community-centric giving in the region, and they are brought this learning and knowledge to the WGC to inform our ongoing work.

​"We were proud to be among those working nationally to bring additional attention and resources to underserved communities" said Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past WGC Chair. "We will continue to support this important work and bring what we learn to the Women's Giving Circle."

The WGC was honored to co-host the 2023 Philanos PowerUP! Baltimore National Conference, which brought together hundreds of leaders in the women's collective giving movement to learn, share, network, and connect together. Numerous WGC leaders played a role in the success of this conference, including serving as panelists and facilitators for the gathering. And, WGC's Malynda Madzel was awarded the prestigious national Willoughby Award at the conference for her efforts to change the status quo for philanthropy in our community. WGC will play a role in coordinating the upcoming 2026 Philanos PowerUP! Texas National Conference - mark your calendars!

Buffy also serves on the national Steering Committee for this year’s Philanthropy Together We Give Summit May 13-15, 2025. Philanthropy Together is a global initiative, co-created by hundreds of collective giving leaders, to scale and strengthen the growing movement. They are on a mission to diversify and democratize philanthropy. Buffy, Barb, and other WGC leaders have served on We Give Summit panels in the past, sharing about WGC's efforts, and learning from others.

Buffy currently serves on the September 2025 Maryland Philanthropy Network Annual Member Gathering planning committee. MPN's mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland.

"We are honored to be learning, sharing, and connecting with other women's collective giving leaders across the country who are rolling up their sleeves and doing this important work" said WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz. "We are proud to be a part of Philanos, Philanthropy Together, and the Maryland Philanthropy Network and participating in important efforts while representing the WGC and we will continue to help do this work nationally, regionally, and here in our community."

We are proud that WGC leaders are playing a role in leading the growth of the national women's collective giving movement and the national and regional philanthropic sector overall, which ultimately supports and uplifts all we are collectively doing here in Howard County.