Friends,

WGC is built on the power of partnership and collective giving. Together, we are making a greater impact for women and girls than we otherwise could alone.

Read the full October 2026 WGC eNewsletter here!

This fall, we're putting that spirit into action:
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• October 17, our Young Women’s Giving Circle will participate in Know Your Flow, a free menstrual health workshop they helped fund and shape through their 2026 Mini Give grant.
• October 22, we're partnering with others in our community for Thriving Through Midlife: A Community Conversation about Women's Health, focusing on an area WGC has supported through our grantmaking.
• November 17, as a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, we'll proudly support the Annual Dinner & Celebration of Philanthropy and celebrate WGC Advisory Board member Mary Jordan as Business Philanthropist of the Year
• December 19, our Young Women's Giving Circle will host its Period Product Drive to provide essential products to girls in our community.

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Each is a reflection of what WGC does best - bringing people together to support women and girls and strengthen our community. Learn more.

Thank you for being part of a community that believes in the power of giving together. I hope you'll join us this fall as we continue investing in women and girls throughout Howard County.
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Candace Dodson-Reed
WGC Advisory Board Chair
[email protected]
www.womensgivingcircle.org

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked WGC Operations Committee Co-Chair Jessica Moreno three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future.

Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

I am most inspired by how WGC teaches women about the various types of philanthropy.  We are, in turn, inspiring people to get involved in a variety of ways, whether it is through Talent, Time, or Treasure. You can especially see this coming through in our Young Women's Giving Circle.

2. As you embrace your leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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My priority for the year is to ensure that we continue to find new partnerships in Howard County while maintaining the wonderful relationships we already have.  

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

​I am Incredibly excited about how we've worked with the YWGC to ensure that women have more access to period products.  The way these young women have stepped and gives me hope for the future of the WGC. My hope is that we see some of our interns return to us in about 5 years and start working with us as Advisory Board members. 

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked WGC Grants Co-Chair Laura Bacon three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future.

Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

The collective nature of how we approach everything allows for so many needs to be met in the county. 

2. As you embrace your leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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My priority is creating and sharing a new grant giving approach for the WGC through a request for proposals. 

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

​When formal funding is tenuous, grassroots outreach and funding through collective giving helps to build and sustain important work around women and girls in Howard County. 

​We are excited to welcome the 2026-2027 Young Women’s Giving Circle interns!

Tonight, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County kicked off a new year of the YWGC, bringing together 15 of our 16 interns, representing 11 Howard County high schools, and three mentors who will help guide the group throughout the year.

The YWGC is chaired by Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and a member of the Philanos Board of Directors. Joining Paula as mentors this year are WGC Advisory Board members Mary Jordan and Jessica Moreno, and Antoinette Brown and Farah Iapichino.

“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s YWGC interns and to see young women from 11 Howard County high schools come together around philanthropy,” said Seabright. “Over the next nine months, they’ll have opportunities to learn, lead, advocate, make grants, and support women and girls in our community. Mary, Antoinette, and I are excited to work alongside them and see where they take us this year.”

Over the next nine months, these young women will learn about philanthropy, leadership, grantmaking, advocacy, and issues impacting women and girls in our community, while gaining hands-on experience putting what they learn into action.

Building on the work of previous YWGC cohorts, the interns will participate in WGC’s Break the Cycle: Period Poverty efforts, engage in WGC and community activities, and experience collective grantmaking firsthand through the YWGC Mini Give, where they will help determine a $5,000 grant to a local nonprofit partner.

This year, our YWGC interns have set a goal to raise $5,000 to fund their 2027 Mini Give grant.

As part of their hands-on philanthropy experience, our interns are not only learning how to evaluate community needs and make thoughtful grantmaking decisions, they are also experiencing what it takes to raise the dollars that make those grants possible. 

Every gift will help them reach their $5,000 goal and give them the opportunity to collectively invest those funds in a nonprofit supporting women and girls in our community.

​You can give here

The YWGC is about more than learning how philanthropy works. It gives young women an opportunity to see themselves as philanthropists and leaders now. They have a voice, make real decisions, advocate for issues they care about, and see what can happen when women pool their time, talent, and resources to support their community.

YWGC participants have helped advance WGC’s menstrual equity work through education, community engagement, product drives, and legislative advocacy, while also making meaningful grantmaking decisions through the Mini Give. This year’s interns will build on that work while bringing their own ideas, interests, and perspectives to the program.

We can’t wait to see what our 2026-2027 YWGC interns learn, lead, and accomplish together this year!

Learn more about the Young Women’s Giving Circle and how you can support the program.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future. Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

What inspires me most is the women (and girl) philanthropists. There is something really powerful about women and girls coming together, pooling our resources, shaping our advocacy, and deciding that we can make a difference. I love that the Women’s Giving Circle gives us the opportunity to support people and organizations doing meaningful work in our community, and that we do it together.  

2. As you embrace your leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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My biggest priority is building on the incredible foundation that already exists. I want to strengthen our membership, create more opportunities for women to connect and engage, and be thoughtful about where we can have the greatest impact. I also want us to have some fun along the way. We really leaned into the advocacy piece over the past couple of years and I think there are some more opportunities there. 

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

​I think we have always understood the power of relationships and community, and that collective philanthropy allows us to turn that into action. When we come together, our individual contributions become something much bigger. What excites me is the opportunity to continue growing that impact and to bring more women and girls into this work. 

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked Secretary Lee Draminski three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future. Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

The work of the Young Women's Giving Circle and their important efforts in elevating  period poverty is inspiring to see our future generation taking active initiatives to shed light on this often ignored topic. 

2. As you embrace your leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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Recruiting and onboarding new talent is vital for the legacy of our group. Reaching out to new and young audiences is one of my core initiatives.  

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

The momentum we’ve been able to build and maintain over the last 25 years speaks to the importance of issues affecting women and girls. Our laser focus on these audiences helps keep these initiatives top of mind and relevant to our ever changing world.  

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County and Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County, both funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, partnered to welcome approximately 100 donors, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and friends on August 4 for their 6th Annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour.

​Together, we celebrated this year's national Black Philanthropy Month theme, Many Voices. One Movement., recognizing the legacy, leadership, generosity, and community impact of Black philanthropy while demonstrating how partnership and collective giving are strengthening Howard County.

The evening opened with welcoming remarks from WGC Donor Engagement Committee Co-Chair Cheryl Gray, followed by WGC Chair Candace Dodson-Reed, who reflected on the power of collective giving and thanked Melissa Curtin, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and the Foundation staff for their ongoing partnership. Melissa welcomed guests to the Foundation and highlighted the importance of the work that the WGC and BPC are doing. Candace also recognized the Young Women's Giving Circle interns for their leadership and thanked guests for supporting the interns' annual Break the Cycle Period Product Drive by donating period products throughout the evening.

The evening also reflected another important aspect of Black Philanthropy Month by supporting Black-owned businesses. "Black Philanthropy Month is about celebrating generosity in all its forms," said Cheryl Gray. "We were proud to support Black and women-owned businesses by featuring a delicious charcuterie spread from Speak of the Deviled and wines from Boyd Cru Wines, recognizing that where we choose to spend our dollars is another meaningful way to invest in our community."

"One of the greatest strengths of collective giving is the relationships it creates" said Candace Dodson-Reed. "This evening brought together donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to celebrate Black philanthropy, recognize inspiring leaders, and invest in organizations making a difference ... it's a wonderful reminder that when we come together with a shared purpose, we create lasting change for Howard County."

Guests learned from Jade McClary, WGC’s Donor Engagement Co-Chair, about the WGC's work over the past 24 years, including more than $1.3 million awarded through over 300 grants, a $1.3 million endowment, and a growing community of more than 1,800 donors who are investing together to improve the lives of women and girls throughout Howard County. Black Philanthropy Circle Chair Derrick Leak shared how investing in people, elevating leaders, and sharing stories helps strengthen communities and reinforces the shared mission of both giving circles. Guests learned about upcoming opportunities to stay connected through the Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle, including educational programs, community conversations, volunteer opportunities, and events throughout the fall.

One of the highlights of the evening was the Women's Giving Circle's Our Giving, Our Stories recognition of Tiffany Erbelding and Rashel Taylor by WGC Vice Chair Kashonna Marrow. Since launching the initiative, the Women's Giving Circle has profiled more than 100 women whose generosity and leadership inspire philanthropy throughout our community.

This year's recognition held special significance because of the Women's Giving Circle's partnership with Tiffany, Rashel, the Horizon Foundation, and many community partners in developing Elevating to Evolve: Stories of Wisdom, Excellence and a Call for Change from Black Women Nonprofit Leaders in Howard County. The report elevates the voices and lived experiences of Black women nonprofit leaders while encouraging funders, boards, and community leaders to create more equitable and supportive pathways for leadership.

As part of their Our Giving, Our Stories profiles, Tiffany shared, "Great things are achieved when people work together and leverage their resources for a shared purpose." Rashel reflected, "When time, talent, and financial resources are intentionally aligned, they become a powerful force for lasting change." Their words beautifully captured the spirit of the evening and the impact of collective philanthropy.

We were also pleased to recognize Malynda Madzel, the visionary behind both the Women's Giving Circle's Our Giving, Our Stories initiative and our annual Black Philanthropy Month Happy Hour, whose leadership and creativity have inspired us to celebrate and elevate the voices of women philanthropists in our community for years.

The evening concluded with the announcement of two joint grants from the Women's Giving Circle and the Black Philanthropy Circle, demonstrating the power of partnership in action. Together, the giving circles awarded grants to Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas of Trinity Maternal Wellness, supporting culturally responsive maternal health education, advocacy, and services that improve outcomes for Black women and families, and Gerry Taylor of Bronze Villagers, supporting its work to strengthen communities through education, mentorship, cultural engagement, and neighborhood partnerships.  As BPC’s Nia Leak mentioned, these joint grants reflect the shared commitment of both giving circles to investing in organizations that create opportunity, advance equity, and strengthen Howard County.

We thank our 39 generous sponsors for helping make the evening possible, and to our volunteers, community partners, and everyone who joined us in celebrating Black Philanthropy Month. Together, through partnership, generosity, and collective giving, we continue building a stronger Howard County. We look forward to seeing you at a future Women's Giving Circle, Black Philanthropy Circle and Community Foundation of Howard County event!

"The Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle demonstrate what's possible when people come together around a shared commitment to community," said Melissa Curtin. "As proud funds of the Community Foundation, they are building connections, inspiring generosity, and investing in organizations that strengthen Howard County. We are honored to support their leadership and celebrate the impact they continue to make together."

Learn More:

The Women's Giving Circle and Black Philanthropy Circle are proud funds of the Community Foundation of Howard County, and we are grateful for the Foundation's continued partnership and support in helping both giving circles grow, thrive, and make a greater impact in our community. While our work is rooted in Howard County, our impact extends beyond our community through regional partnerships with Maryland Philanthropy Network and national engagement with Philanos. Together, we're helping grow the collective giving movement while bringing new ideas, resources, and relationships back to Howard County to strengthen our local work.

• Women's Giving Circle of Howard County: 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. Since 2002, the WGC has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants and has built at $1.3 million endowment, and engaged more than 1,800 donors who believe in the power of collective giving. Learn more, get involved, and subscribe to our eNewsletter at www.wgchowardcounty.org.

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• Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County: The Black Philanthropy Circle of Howard County brings together individuals and families who are passionate about strengthening our community through philanthropy, leadership, and collective action. By connecting donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners, the BPC is growing Black philanthropy and investing in a stronger, more equitable Howard County. Learn more about the Black Philanthropy Circle and how to get involved at www.blackphilanthropyhc.org.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to spotlight the women who are leading our work this year - who are deepening our impact, and championing the power of collective giving in our community.

We asked Vice Chair Kashonna Marrow three questions about what inspires her, what she hopes to accomplish, and how she sees women’s philanthropy shaping our future. Her answers reflect the values at the core of the WGC: generosity, collaboration, and the belief that when women come together, we make lasting change.

1. What inspires you most about the Women’s Giving Circle and the work we do in the community?

The intentional work we do with women and girls is the key, but the doors are the organizations we have the opportunity to partner with to get that work done. I am inspired by community leaders who don't just talk, but take action.

2. As you step into this new leadership role, what are your priorities for the year ahead?
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I am honored to work alongside Candace Dodson-Reed to ensure WGC continues the work we've been doing at an even greater capacity. My priorities are to remain aligned and true to the legacy of the Women's Giving Circle.  We want to increase awareness of the work we are doing through our membership and donor efforts, collaborate and help fund organizations that are doing aligned work through our Big Give, and inform and educate those who want to leave a legacy through opportunities such as planned giving.  

3. How do you see women’s collective philanthropy making a difference right now - and what excites you about where we’re headed next?

When I see our Young Women’s Giving Circle interns and the work they are doing on the Break the Cycle Period initiative, I am excited!  They are our NOW and they are showing us that collective philanthropy is alive and well! When I think about how WGC has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants and built a $1.2 million endowment to sustain long-term impact, I am excited! All signs are pointing to a promising future where women and girls thrive far beyond any and every societal limitation.

Young Women’s Giving Circle Helps Advance Statewide Menstrual Equity

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) is celebrating an important victory for menstrual equity in Maryland - and the leadership of young women who helped make it possible.

On May 26, Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland House Bill 457 into law, requiring institutions of higher education that provide on-campus housing to make free menstrual hygiene products available in student health centers by August 1, 2028. The legislation represents a meaningful step forward in addressing period poverty and ensuring students have access to essential health resources.

Among those present for the bill signing were Governor Wes Moore, Delegate Jessica Feldmark, Delegate Dr. Terri Hill, Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, and representatives of the Women's Giving Circle's Young Women's Giving Circle, Mount Hebron High School senior Isha Ande and YWGC Chair Paula Seabright. Their presence reflected the broad coalition of elected officials, advocates, educators, and young leaders who worked together to advance menstrual equity across Maryland.

For the past two years, YWGC participants have been learning about the impact of period poverty while taking action through the Women's Giving Circle's Break the Cycle Period Product Drive. Through education, advocacy, community partnerships, and legislative engagement, these young women have worked to raise awareness and advance solutions that improve access to menstrual products for women and girls.

"Our interns worked hard to turn their vision into action," said Paula Seabright, Chair of the Young Women's Giving Circle and Co-Chair of the Women's Giving Circle Grants Committee. "Many of our current and former YWGC members have spent the past two years learning about period poverty, raising awareness, advocating for change, and meeting with legislators. To see Governor Moore sign this bill into law was incredibly meaningful. It shows our young women that their voices matter and that they can help create real change in their communities and beyond."

The Women's Giving Circle worked closely with Delegate Jessica Feldmark throughout the legislative process, helping elevate the issue and providing opportunities for YWGC participants to engage directly in advocacy efforts. The bill's passage demonstrates what is possible when community leaders, elected officials, and young advocates work together toward a common goal.

The Young Women's Giving Circle is a leadership and philanthropy program of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County that brings together high school-aged young women to learn about philanthropy, community needs, leadership, and civic engagement. Through grantmaking, volunteerism, advocacy, and educational experiences, participants gain firsthand experience in creating positive change while developing the skills and confidence to become future community leaders.

"This achievement belongs to the young women who were willing to speak up, learn, and lead," Seabright added. "Their commitment to addressing period poverty will help students across Maryland for years to come."

As WGC prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027, this milestone serves as a powerful reminder that philanthropy is about more than charitable giving. It is also about empowering the next generation of leaders to identify challenges, advocate for solutions, and help build a stronger, more equitable community for all.

The Women's Giving Circle's Break the Cycle Period Product Drive continues to raise awareness and collect products to support local women and girls experiencing period poverty. Through efforts like these, WGC and YWGC are helping ensure that access to menstrual products is recognized not as a luxury, but as a basic necessity. 

You can learn more about where to donate products and/or money here. Mark your calendars for our December 5, 2026 WGC "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive from 9:00 - 11:00 am in Lot B at Howard Community College. Thank you for your support!

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 for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month we are profiling Niti Srivastava, Executive Director of the Indian Cultural Association.

We asked her what moves her to give her time, talent, and financial resources, and she said:

"Through my work with the Indian Cultural Association (ICA), I saw firsthand the gaps in culturally relevant support for the Indian-American community and food access for all Howard County residents. ICA events are free and open to all. We welcome cross-cultural exchange of ideas, traditions, and perspectives, creating a space where communities can come together to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and build a more caring, inclusive community."

We asked Niti when she started giving to issues that are important to her, and here's what she said:

"I co-founded the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) in 2018 after witnessing unmet needs in our community. Seeing families navigate these challenges without familiar resources pushed me to act. During COVID, we began free food distributions for all Howard County residents. I saw both need and resilience up close, and the power of community-driven support. It sparked a lasting commitment to give my time and resources where I can create a lasting impact."

And, we asked what advice she has for those interested in giving back, and she said:

"My journey with ICA has taught me that action, even in small ways, creates momentum. Whether supporting food distributions or other community efforts, your time and presence matter more than you realize. As the saying goes, 'If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Impact begins with action, and consistency matters more than scale.'"

Here's several organizations that Niti currently supports:

• Feed HoCo Inc.
• Grassroots
• HopeWorks

Thank you, Niti, for all that you do for our community!

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.

We gave big! What a powerful conclusion to the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Big Give 2026!

Over two evenings, 50 women and girls came together to learn, connect, share ideas, engage in meaningful conversations, and collectively direct $26,000 in funding to nonprofit organizations supporting women and girls in Howard County through the WGC's Big Give, the Young Women’s Giving Circle Mini Give, and Spirit Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the Big Give continues to grow in both participation and impact. Over the past five years, more than 220 women have participated in this unique collective giving experience, directing more than $120,000 to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls in our community.

During the first session on May 11, participants explored what moves them personally, learned more about philanthropy and collective giving, reviewed and discussed 37 proposals, and selected this year’s finalists through a collaborative voting process led by WGC Big Give 2026 Co-Chairs Laura Bacon and Kashonna Marrow. View highlights here.

“Collective giving is powerful because everyone has a voice,” said Kashonna Marrow, WGC Big Give Co-Chair. “The thoughtful discussions and shared decision-making throughout this process are what make the experience so impactful.”

At Monday evening’s final session, participants heard directly from this year’s finalist organizations before collectively determining final funding awards.

The following organizations received funding through the WGC’s Big Give 2026:
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• Bridges to Housing Stability - $10,000 to provide direct financial assistance to help single female-headed households remain stably housed.
• Trinity Maternal Wellness - $6,000 to expand prenatal and postpartum education, support, and essential resources for mothers and families.
• TurnAround, Inc. - $4,000 to support survivors of violence and human trafficking, including women preparing to reenter the community.

In addition, the WGC’s Young Women’s Giving Circle awarded a $5,000 Mini Give grant to:

• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation - to support educational forums providing adolescent girls with knowledge and resources around menstrual health.

The evening also included two Spirit Awards of $500 each, recognizing organizations whose work resonated strongly with participants:

• HopeWorks’ Survivors’ Health Project - supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence through wellness resources, holistic health grants, and trauma-informed care.
• Howard Community College Educational Foundation’s Jill of All Trades Program - providing hands-on workshops, mentorship, and career exploration opportunities encouraging young women to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

Participants also generously supported the YWGC’s ongoing period product drive, filling a large donation container with menstrual health products that will help support local girls and women in need throughout the community.

“Every year, I leave the Big Give feeling hopeful and energized by what’s possible when women come together with generosity, curiosity, and a desire to make a difference,” added Laura Bacon, WGC Big Give Co-Chair.

The Big Give is truly a collaborative effort, and we are grateful to the many WGC and Community Foundation leaders, volunteers, and partners who helped bring this year’s experience to life, including Laura Bacon, Kashonna Marrow, Paula Seabright, Dee Athey, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Melissa Curtin, Aishwariya Chandrasekar, Lee Draminski, and Cheryl Gray.

As a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, WGC is proud to be part of a strong and enduring partnership that helps support and strengthen this work.

“Reviewing this year’s proposals was both inspiring and incredibly challenging because every organization brought forward important and meaningful work supporting women and girls in our community,” said Dee Athey, CFHC Director of Grants and Community Engagement. “While the Big Give participants made thoughtful funding decisions together, we encourage donors and community members to continue learning about and supporting these organizations beyond the Big Give as well.”

We are also incredibly proud of the WGC's Young Women’s Giving Circle interns, whose thoughtful participation and leadership through the Mini Give reflected the strength and promise of the next generation of philanthropists.

“The Mini Give is about more than grantmaking - it’s about helping young women see themselves as philanthropists, leaders, and changemakers in their community,” said Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and YWGC Chair.

​Community members can view a full overview of all 37 Big Give 2026 proposals and learn more about the organizations and programs supporting women and girls across Howard County.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC), a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, is a community of philanthropists dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in Howard County through collective giving, grantmaking, advocacy, and community engagement. Over the past 24 years, more than 1,800 primarily female donors have collectively directed more than $1.3 million to local nonprofit organizations serving women and girls, while also building a $1.3 million endowment that will help ensure support for women and girls in perpetuity.

​The Big Give is one important way WGC engages women in hands-on philanthropy and collective grantmaking as part of our broader goal of directing up to $100,000 annually to nonprofit organizations serving women and girls in our community.

As WGC looks ahead to its 25th Anniversary in 2027, the organization is excited to continue growing the impact of collective philanthropy in Howard County. Registration for the Big Give 2027 is already open, and WGC’s goal for this milestone year is to bring even more women to the table and double the Big Give’s collective grantmaking impact to $50,000. Learn more and register here

The WGC’s Big Give is about more than grantmaking. It is about women learning, leading, giving, listening, connecting, and building community together through the power of collective philanthropy. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Big Give and helped make this experience so meaningful and impactful!

Following the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County’s Big Give 2026, we have been asked by donors and community members for more information about the nonprofit partners who submitted proposals this year and how they can continue to support their work.

We are proud to share this list of organizations whose work is strengthening the lives of women and girls across Howard County and beyond. While Big Give participants collectively directed $26,000 in funding through the WGC's Big Give 2026, we know the need and opportunity for support continues well beyond one evening of grantmaking.

Each of these nonprofit partners is doing meaningful work in our community, and there are many ways to help. Community members can make a donation, volunteer, attend an event, share their work with others, connect them to new supporters, or simply take time to learn more about the challenges they are addressing and the impact they are making.
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The Big Give is about more than grantmaking. It is about learning, connecting, and building a stronger community of informed and engaged philanthropists. We hope this list serves as a resource for anyone interested in supporting organizations working every day on behalf of women, girls, and families in our community.

2026 Big Give Proposal Highlights:

• The Arc of Howard County – Supporting scholarships and professional development opportunities for women Direct Support Professionals serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Athelas Institute – Providing a women’s empowerment program for adult women with intellectual and developmental disabilities focused on confidence, wellness, and self-advocacy.
• Ballet After Dark, Inc. – Offering trauma-informed menstrual health education and sewing workshops where participants create reusable menstrual products.
• The Black Executive Directors Network – Supporting wellness and leadership programming for Black women nonprofit leaders through the TheraTea Wellness & Leadership Series.
• Bridges to Housing Stability – Providing direct financial assistance to help single female-headed households remain safely and stably housed.
• Center for Creative Life and Learning – Expanding Girls on Fire leadership and parent mentorship programming for girls and families in Howard County.
• Columbia Housing Center – Helping women and families using housing vouchers afford move-in and housing stabilization costs.
• Community Action Council of Howard County – Supporting the development of the Cornerstone of Opportunity campus combining food assistance and early childhood education services.
• Ethiopian Community Empowerment Center – Providing tutoring, mentorship, and leadership opportunities for immigrant girls and young women.
• Get On the Bus, Inc. – Expanding free soccer, mentorship, tutoring, and wellness programming for girls at Howard County Title I schools.
• Gilchrist Hospice Care – Providing compassionate hospice charity care for under-resourced women at the Gilchrist Center Howard County.
• Girls on the Run of Central Maryland – Expanding access to confidence-building, mental wellness, and physical activity programming for girls across Howard County.
• Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center – Providing gas cards and transportation assistance for women and female-headed households in crisis.
• A Home of Our Own Howard – Furnishing homes with essential household items and furniture for women and families transitioning to stable housing.
• Homewood Center (HCPSS) – Supporting leadership, life skills, wellness, and mentorship programming for adolescent girls.
• HopeWorks – Supporting survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence through wellness resources, holistic health grants, and trauma-informed care.
• Howard Community College Educational Foundation – Expanding the Jill of All Trades program introducing young women to careers in the skilled trades.
• Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center Foundation – Providing educational forums and resources focused on menstrual and reproductive health for adolescent girls.
• Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services (LARS) – Supporting afterschool enrichment opportunities for girls and childcare assistance for working mothers.
• Leadership Howard County – Providing scholarships and leadership development opportunities for young women through Leadership U.
• Luminus Network – Offering immigration legal services and support for immigrant women, girls, and families.
• MakingChange, Inc. – Delivering financial literacy, counseling, and economic empowerment programming for women and girls.
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution Center – Launching a restorative leadership and conflict resolution program for middle school girls.
• My Covenant Place – Providing trauma-informed healing, wellness, and support services for women affected by violence and trauma.
• Neighbor Ride – Expanding transportation access and caregiver support for senior women in Howard County.
• Ohana of Howard County – Offering emotional wellness, mentorship, and leadership development programming for high school girls.
• Rebuilding Together Howard County – Completing critical home repairs and accessibility improvements for a low-income senior woman through the She Builds program.
• Respite Retreats – Providing therapeutic retreat experiences for women living with Stage IV cancer.
• Sacral Roots – Training peer support doulas and expanding maternal mental health support for postpartum mothers.
• Sisters for Health – Empowering girls of color through fitness, nutrition, wellness, and leadership programming.
• Springboard Community Services – Expanding mental health access and direct assistance for women facing barriers to care.
• Touch Stones Financial Wellness Services – Providing culturally responsive financial education and counseling for women and girls.
• Trinity Maternal Wellness – Expanding prenatal and postpartum education, maternal wellness support, and essential resources for mothers and families.
• TurnAround, Inc. – Supporting survivors of violence and human trafficking through direct services, emergency assistance, and reentry support programming.
• The Village in Howard – Creating intergenerational wellness and connection opportunities for women through the HER Circle initiative.
• Voices for Children, Inc. – Providing household essentials and communication tools for girls and young women transitioning out of foster care.
• Winter Growth, Inc. – Offering respite care scholarships and adult day care subsidies supporting women caregivers and older adults.

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County was proud to be part of last evening’s Spring Party hosted by the Community Foundation of Howard County at the beautiful Elkridge Furnace Inn!

As a fund of the Community Foundation, WGC is deeply connected to CFHC’s mission and impact across Howard County. As part of the CFHC family, WGC joined donors, nonprofit leaders, and community partners in celebrating the power of connection, generosity, and local philanthropy.

Thank you to CFHC for a wonderful evening celebrating generosity, partnership, and community connection. We are proud to be part of this work together!

Read more on the CFHC website about the event here

Wow, what a night to kick off the WGC’s Big Give 2026!

The Women’s Giving Circle’s Big Give is more than a two-night experience - it’s a dynamic, hands-on opportunity for women to learn, connect, and engage in meaningful grantmaking to support women and girls in Howard County.

Now in its fifth year, the Big Give continues to grow in both participation and impact.

This year, 50 women have come together, giving individually and as teams, to collectively invest $26,000 in local nonprofits. Over the past five years, more than 220 women have participated in the WGC's Big Give, with many returning year after year and helping to build a strong, connected community of collective giving, directing more than $120,000 to organizations serving women and girls in our community.

At Monday evening’s kickoff session, participants connected through what moves them, explored the broader landscape of philanthropy in the United States, and engaged in thoughtful discussion as they reviewed this year’s proposals, guided by WGC Big Give 2026 Co-Chairs Laura Bacon and Kashonna Marrow.

As a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, WGC is proud to be part of a strong and enduring partnership that supports our work. CFHC President and CEO Melissa Curtin reflected on the power of collective giving and CFHC’s role in supporting WGC from the very beginning - laying the foundation for nearly 25 years of impact as we approach this milestone anniversary next year. We are especially grateful to Dee Athey, CFHC Director of Grants and Community Engagement, for thoughtfully facilitating our grantmaking process.

• “The Big Give is such a powerful example of what happens when women come together with intention and purpose,” said Laura Bacon, WGC Big Give Co-Chair. “It’s not just about the dollars we give - it’s about the conversations, the learning, and the shared commitment to making a difference in our community.”

We were also honored to welcome Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth, who joined us to share her perspective on the importance of this work and the impact of women coming together through collective giving.

After reviewing 37 Letters of Interest, participants selected this year’s finalists through a collaborative and engaging process. They will reconvene next week to hear directly from those organizations and make final grant decisions.

• “What makes this experience so meaningful is that everyone has a voice in the process,” said Kashonna Marrow, WGC Big Give Co-Chair. “We’re bringing together different perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from one another as we decide how to invest in women and girls in our community.”

In addition to the Big Give, the WGC's Young Women’s Giving Circle (YWGC) is also participating in the grantmaking process through the Mini Give. YWGC interns have reviewed the same proposals and will announce their own grant award at next week’s session.

• “The level of engagement and insight our YWGC interns have brought to this process has been inspiring,” said Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and YWGC Chair. “They’ve taken this responsibility seriously and are already demonstrating the power of the next generation of philanthropists. I can’t wait for them to share their decision next week.”

The WGC's Big Give is about more than grantmaking - it’s about building a community of women who are learning, giving, listening, sharing, connecting, and leading together through the power of collective philanthropy. Participants will gather again next week to hear from finalists, make final grant decisions, and celebrate the impact they are creating together.

​Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s grant recipients and award amounts. You can learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle and the Big Give here, and view photos from the kickoff event below.

​By Rayna Hasan

Thank you to everyone who came out in the early morning to support the Women's Giving Circle/Young Women's Giving Circle's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive Up & Drop off!!

Sporting our cowbells and handclappers in pink, YWGC interns collected period products from our schools, donors and the many volunteers who dropped by to lend their support to Howard County's women and girls! We were so grateful to receive visits from multiple delegates, including Del. Natalie Ziegler, Del. Pam Guzzone and Del. Jessica Feldmark!

As part of the Young Women's Giving Circle (YWGC), we are guided by the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County (WGC) in learning about and combating period poverty and women's health. Along the way, we have learned about the impact of collective action, philanthropy, and community and how to leverage them in order to make change. The "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive Up & Drop Off is a prime example of this, with the donations going to HCPSS community schools. 

HCPSS community schools often have to rely on teachers, nurses, or other outside sources for access to period products. The many products donated through WGC's drive will support menstrual health for Howard County students and households alike. 

If you are interested in supporting our drive, you can donate directly to our Amazon Wish List - thank you!

Thank you to all those who supported WGC's drive, including our YWGC interns, WGC leaders, donors, volunteers, and our many elected officials, candidates, and moms who came out to contribute to the cause! We appreciate all of you!

There are moments when you can truly see the power of community in action - and today was one of them.

The Women’s Giving Circle’s Young Women’s Giving Circle (YWGC) Period Product Drive Up & Drop Off was an incredible success, but even more meaningful was the leadership on display. This single photo captured it beautifully: young women leading the way, standing alongside WGC leadership and elected officials like Del. Jessica Feldmark and Del. Pam Guzzone - all united in support of women and girls in our community.

This image reflects something powerful. It shows what happens when the next generation steps forward, when community leaders stand beside them, and when we come together around an issue that matters. Menstrual equity is not just about products - it’s about dignity, access, and opportunity. And today, that commitment was clear.

“What stood out most today was the way our community showed up - young leaders, WGC members, and elected officials all coming together around an effort that is simple, meaningful, and impactful for women and girls,” said Paula Seabright, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chair and Chair of the Young Women’s Giving Circle.

For more than two decades, the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County has been building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls. Through grantmaking, advocacy, and engagement, WGC has invested over $1.3 million back into the community - supporting nonprofit partners who are doing this important work every day.

The Young Women’s Giving Circle is a powerful extension of that mission. These high school students are not only learning about philanthropy - they are leading it. Through initiatives like the “Break the Cycle” Period Product Drive, they are raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and taking action to address period poverty right here in Howard County.

Over the years, this effort has grown into a meaningful community-wide initiative - collecting thousands of pounds of period products and raising critical funds to ensure that our nonprofit partners can meet the needs of the women and girls they serve.

“Today is a powerful reminder that when young women are given the opportunity to lead, they rise, and they bring our entire community with them. This work is about more than collecting products - it’s about dignity, equity, and ensuring every woman and girl has what she needs to thrive,” said Lee Draminski, WGC Secretary.

Today was a reflection of that impact - and a reminder of what is possible when we lead together.

If you weren’t able to join us, there’s still time to be part of this effort. Donations are still being accepted to support the purchase of period products for our nonprofit partners who serve women and girls across our community.

You can donate to the YWGC here and/or you can donate directly to our Amazon Wish List here - thank you!

Together, we can continue to break the cycle, and ensure that every woman and girl has access to the basic necessities she deserves. Thank you for your support!