 Columbia, MD, December 1, 2022 - The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is very pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Advisory Board, as well as the full slate of Executive Committee and Advisory Board members for 2023.
The newly elected Advisory Board members are Adora Brown and Cheryl Gray Hines. “We are thrilled to welcome these two talented women, each of whom bring diverse experience and unique backgrounds to the Women’s Giving Circle” said Women’s Giving Circle Advisory Board Chair, Barb Van Winkle. Adora Brown: Adora Brown is an Emerson College sophomore working in journalism, marketing, and the nonprofit sector. She has written for various publications such as Baltimore Style, Milk Crate, The Mountain, and The Voiced Society. She does freelance marketing work for Melissa Curtin Coaching and other small businesses. In recent years, she has emerged in the nonprofit sector, accomplishing many creative goals with the Elma Lewis Center of Emerson College and The 3rd. Adora is on the WGC’s Events Committee and helping to manage the WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive. Cheryl Gray Hines: Cheryl Gray Hines is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive coach, and mentor with a mission to support women to live authentically and be their best. Her deep expertise in leadership, organizational development, and business strategy has equipped her to coach executives and leaders through the most challenging transitions. As founder of C. Gray & Associates, she teaches Fortune 100 corporations, federal agencies, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs that leadership integrity is the foundation of stellar business performance. She is the author of the personal development book In Support of Myself: A Woman’s Guide to Asking for and Accepting Help from Others. Cheryl is on the WGC’s Membership & Development Committee. After four years of leadership, Barb Van Winkle’s term is ending as WGC’s Advisory Board Chair, and she will become WGC’s Immediate Past Chair and continue as part of WGC’s leadership team. We are excited to welcome Jennifer Bodensiek as the incoming WGC Advisory Board Chair, and Candace Dodson-Reed as the incoming Vice Chair. “Jennifer and Candace have deep community knowledge and a passion for philanthropy” said Barb. “We are fortunate to have them by our side as we work to shape the future for women and girls in Howard County through the power of collective giving”. The WGC is honoring Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund and we invite gifts in honor of WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her/their honor. "I am deeply honored to have served the WGC for so many years, and so grateful to all of the leaders who have helped WGC grow to what we are today, 20 years later" said Barb. "I am so very humbled and grateful to everyone who has given to this fund to date and thank you all for your consideration!" We are very grateful to Kim Agnor and Alice Giles whose terms are ending on the WGC Advisory Board after years of dedicated leadership and service. The Women’s Giving Circle is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy 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. www.womensgivingcircle.org The full 2023 slate of WGC Executive Committee and Advisory Board members are: 2023 WGC Advisory Board Executive Committee: Officers:
Advisory Board:
Dee Athey - CFHoCo Director of Grants and Community Engagement - Staff Liaison
0 Comments
WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 for CCC on Giving Tuesday - Can You Help?11/29/2022
The WGC was out in full force supporting Women of Color entrepreneurs and our partners at The 3rd on Small Business Saturday! And, it was great to see so many women donating products in WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive bin at The 3rd - thank you! The 3rd's mission is to build a space that fosters dreams, creates community, and provides mentorship, which enables Women of Color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom. Take a visit this holiday season - there are so many beautiful, unique and tasty options! #community #partnership #givingcircles #collectivegiving #collectiveimpact
We had a fantastic time tonight at WGC’s Sunset Happy Hour at The Community Ecology Institute/Freetown Farm talking about building community and women supporting women! As WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz said, it was a true testament to the power of women supporting women to have so many women join us around the bonfire on such a chilly but beautiful night! Our thanks to CEI/Freetown Farm Founder Chiara D'Amore and her team for hosting us. We are proud to support their efforts and partner to build community for the future. You can find information about future WGC events on our website here.
 Barb Van Winkle is a long-time supporter of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, and has been the WGC Chair for the last 5 years. She is one of the WGC's largest donors and has been a vocal cheerleader for the WGC since its inception 20 years ago!
During this season of gratitude, it's only fitting that after 20 years of support for the WGC, as she ends her tenure as WGC's Advisory Board chair in December 2022, we honor Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund! Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in honor of Barb's 20 years of leadership and support for the WGC, and in honor of ALL WGC leaders the last 20 years - who have helped the WGC grow to having over 1,600 donors, a $1.3M endowment, and over $1M in grants! All funds raised will go toward WGC's grantmaking and core support as we look to the next 20 years, with a focus on WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts - Barb's legacy. As she always says: "Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." Please join us to celebrate Barb and WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her honor! She will be informed of every gift, and will see every note that accompanies each donation. PLEASE DONATE HERE Thank you for helping us honor this incredible philanthropic leader! Jennifer Bodensiek and Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC 20th Anniversary Co-Chairs Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director The WGC 2022 Advisory Board  We are proud to be among the first organizations in Howard County to become #SobarCertified.
What does this mean? It means we are committed to providing more equitable drink options to our donors, partners and community at WGC events by partnering with Sobar. Sobar's mission is to encourage choice in how we celebrate by providing a variety of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and hosting alcohol-free bars and events. We look forward to providing delicious, healthy, and exciting drink options in partnership with Sobar for the future. Learn more about Sobar here.  Wow, we had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Give 2022! What is the Big Give? It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a four-month, hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. Big Give participants used words such as "inspired, humbled, grateful, excited, proud, hopeful, honored, and thankful" regarding their experience. "As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year, we are proud and honored to engage WGC donors through The Big Give!" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair. "This opportunity to give collectively is another way WGC is meeting our mission of building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County." This year's inaugural Big Give had 27 women participating - individually or as part of a team - who learned, shared, and together, collectively gave $20,000 to 3 WGC nonprofit partners - Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, HopeWorks, and the HCC Educational Foundation.
"We are excited about the response to our inaugural WGC Big Give!" said Melissa Curtin, WGC Membership and Development Committee Chair. "It's a new and exciting way for women to invest their philanthropic dollars so that they have a bigger impact together than they might otherwise have alone." Here's how the Big Give worked:
"Being part of the Big Give was a truly humbling experience" said Jessica Terrazas-Moreno. "It was bittersweet to learn that so many amazing organizations in Howard County need extra funds, but they never stop fighting the good fight to help our neighbors." Let us know if you’re interested in the WGC's Big Give 2023 - we already have women signing up! "We firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. "WGC's The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future." Wow, what a morning at our partner The 3rd! Run, don’t walk to this amazing, community building, gathering place! The food, the atmosphere, the products made by women of color - all are unique, tasty, and beautiful. How lucky we are to have this gem in our community! Congratulations Laura Bacon + team !  We are honored to partner with United Way of Central Maryland and so many others on the United Way Family Center - providing affordable, accessible childcare for those who live or work in Howard County. United Way has a proven track record of helping families and their children succeed. We were honored to be with UWCM, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard County officials, local executives and other partners as they opened the organization’s third Family Center in central Maryland, located at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia, Maryland. The Columbia Family Center will provide quality, accessible childcare and early childhood education to parents in Howard County. Learn more here  We had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Think, part of the WGC Big Give Membership! What is the Big Give? It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. This year's inaugural Big Give has 27 women participating who are learning, sharing, and collectively giving $20,000 together to 3 WGC nonprofit partners. At the Big Think tonight, Big Give members read through and discussed 13 proposals, and then made the decision together to invite 3 nonprofits to join them next month for the Big Give, and to learn how much funding they will receive based on their proposals. Here's how it works: 2022 WGC Big Give Membership Structure and Timeline: BIG KICK: Philanthropy Overview Thursday, July 28, 2022, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members gathered for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to meet one another and learn about the community foundation, WGC, and the broader philanthropic landscape. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom WGC Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. Post-reading materials were sent to prepare for the Big Think. BIG THINK: Giving Discussion Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members engaged in the final discussion, asked questions, and voted for the final three nonprofit partners who will make a final presentation in October at The Big Give. Each of the three nonprofits will receive a grant award. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members will gather with all Big Give Members to hear from the three nonprofits about their proposed programs and vote on the grant award amounts. Then ... we'll celebrate!  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Eleanor JoAnne Sellers: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? It is my faith that drives me. I grew up in a family that instilled strong Christian values. My parents taught me that in order to experience true joy be of service to someone else. It is the Lord Christ you are serving, even through earthly tasks. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV) When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I really began focusing on giving to issues that were important to me while I was in college as we supported underserved families with food gift baskets for Thanksgiving. As a retired educator, I am most passionate about community service activities that advance educational opportunities. I have expanded my volunteer service activities as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It has also been rewarding to help raise funds to support students at Howard Community College while serving on the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment & Program Fund Committee. I am also active with community service outreach events at my church. I will continue to volunteer and give my resources to causes that support education. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Find a volunteer role that makes you feel fulfilled and happy. It can be a fantastic way to relax, prioritize someone else’s needs and alleviate day- to -day pressures of work, school, or family. Have fun! Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Dianne Polson Oliver: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? At an early age, my parents lit the flame of giving in me. They led by example, always doing for others whenever the need arose. They encouraged my participation in Girls Scouts of America where my involvement in community service was started as well as promoted. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? Since giving is in my DNA, as a very young girl I started giving through and to my church, which I still do. Continuing on the “giving track” after graduating from Morgan State University, I started “giving back” to my undergraduate alma mater financially, as well as my time and talent to the alumni association on the local and national levels. After obtaining my Master’s degree from Bowie State University, I started “giving back” financially to Bowie. For several years I had the opportunity to use my time and talent volunteering as a Reading Tutor for 2nd graders who were at risk of having a reading deficiency. To see the students progress in their reading during the school year was such a rewarding experience, not only for the students but for me as well! I also volunteered my time and talent for several years to help produce a local cable TV program called “Spotlight on Seniors,” first as a Production Assistant and later as Host of the show for a couple of years after the original Host and Co-Host passed away. The show ended its existence in 2017, but for many years it provided educational information to senior citizens on a variety of topics. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Find something that you are passionate about and go for it. Quite often time and talent are more important than money. One of the greatest rewards is making a difference in someone’s life. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Jonelle Ocloo: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I am moved by the verse in Scripture that says: "to whom much has been given, much will be required." I have been blessed with so much in my life including a loving family that valued education and believed that a woman could do anything. I understand that I am where I am and can do what I can because of the people who sowed into my life. Therefore, I am motivated to do what I can to make a positive impact in other's lives -- whether it's through my time, talent, or financial resources. I immigrated to the United States as a child. It is an honor to be able to help other people on their immigrant journeys and to help them to achieve their American dream. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I have been giving since childhood. I remember putting in money that my mother gave me in the offering plate at church. But it felt better to contribute my own money that I earned. As far back as high school, my friends and I enjoyed participating in telethons at our local public television station. I got a free ride to college. So as soon as I graduated and got my first job, it was important to me to contribute the the alumni association's scholarship fund since I was a scholarship recipient. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? It is never too little or too late to give back. Any amount (no matter how little) is a lot when it's done with a generous heart. (Remember the story of the widow's mite.) Also, your gifts and efforts combine with those of other people to make a large impact. So your gift is never too small. Also, if you are not already giving back, it is not too late to start now. Better late than never. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Chaye C. Suber: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? My mother instilled in my family to give back and help those who are less fortunate. My mother was a single parent, experiencing her struggles and obstacles made me realize there are probably others who are in the same boat. Ever since I was a child, I have been giving back volunteering wanting to make the same impact I experienced. Some people have mental health issues because of their struggles why not share my knowledge and skills to help those. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? In middle school, I volunteered on Thanksgiving at a homeless shelter. I served food and spoke to the mothers and families to let them know that this is a small setback for a bigger comeback. Also, I worked with organizations with voter registration and made the residents aware that even if they have a felony, they were able to still vote. They didn’t know that information. Brought a smile to my face. Having that dialogue and providing them with the resources so they can register to vote and other issues. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? You never know how you can make an impact on a person whether it's by your actions or words of advice. Find a social issue you care about, always research the organizations you want to be a part of and verify they have the same interest and mission as you. Or find other people with the same interests. There are many ways to help a cause, by either donating or volunteering your time. Giving back should be a good feeling and not feel like it's work. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Antonia Watts: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I believe in the power of change through service. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I started volunteering in college when I realized the impact that my time could have on an important issue. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Start local and start small. Local issues have the greatest impact on our day to day life. Start by writing emails to local representatives about issues impacting your community. Start by donating small amounts to those who care about issues that matter to you most. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022 The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County was honored to co-host the Howard County Office of Human Rights and Equity and partner with many amazing women-focused organizations today as we celebrated and honored Women's Equality Day 2022! #womensequalityday2022 #worktodo   WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Anika Baty-Mills: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? There were (and are) so many women in my life that poured into me, so it is natural to want to give what I have received. I also feel a responsibility to further the legacy of the many women that came before me. Those women who sacrificed in order to give me the opportunity to succeed. Giving back to someone else in the community is how I show my gratitude. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I have always been active and volunteered since I was a junior high school student. It is a part of how I was raised and I am excited about the opportunities to do even more. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Any amount of time you give is worth it! Don't burden yourself with thinking it has to be a grand gesture. Grand gestures are awesome, but every little bit helps. Find something you care about, and I promise there is an organization out there to help you get involved. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
They all provide wonderful services supporting members of our community. Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Bertina L. Suber-Hanley: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? My mother and father were very active in our community, church, and on their own. As a kid, I had clubs in elementary school to make the neighborhood kids math Guru’s, sewing, and a book club. I continued volunteering while in college and as an adult. Always, a math tutor and physics as well as many organizations. Currently I volunteer for nine organizations. I also participate in marches and am a mentor to many. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I started when I was in elementary school. It was a given in my family. Giving time to a person or organization comes from the heart. A person who has no interest in giving can not be talked into it as a long-term plan. I have also raised my four children to give back to their community where they live. They too volunteer. It started with my ancestors on both sides of my family. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Advice would be to remember to take care of yourself. Often people realize you are a giver which equates to a yes person, taking time out for yourself every now and then is important. The many stories a person hears good or bad can be taxing on a person’s mental health. Often people need to decompress while you are assisting their child or an older person. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist, Danielle Smith: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I understand the drive and perseverance that it takes to continue to thrive in this society. I do not take it for granted and nor do I believe that anything is owed to me. Because of that reason, I feel that it is necessary to give back to our communities to help challenge our youth and see what I can do to truly make a difference. When I give of my time, I am investing in something that is greater than myself. When I give my talent, I am using a God-given gift to make the world a better place. When I give financial resources, I am supporting a cause that will help to keep these initiatives moving. I truly believe that it takes all three areas to support an organization. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I really started giving back to the community during my teenage years. I was very active in my church and we were always involved in community activities. We did everything from clean-up campaigns to feeding the homeless. Then, right out of college I started working for an organization where philanthropy was recognized and encouraged. Then, I began getting involved in community activism on a larger scale. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Giving back is a rewarding experience! When you realize your purpose and understand that there is a greater cause in the world, like helping others, that’s when your world really starts to open up! Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  We had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Learn, part of the WGC Big Give Membership!
What is the Big Give? It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. This year's inaugural Big Give has 27 women participating who are learning, sharing, and collectively giving $20,000 together to 3 WGC nonprofit partners. At the Big Learn tonight, Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted WGC nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. Post-reading materials were sent to prepare for the Big Think. Here's how it fully works: 2022 WGC Big Give Membership Structure and Timeline: BIG KICK: Philanthropy Overview Thursday, July 28, 2022, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members gathered for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to meet one another and learn about the community foundation, WGC, and the broader philanthropic landscape. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom WGC Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. Post-reading materials were sent to prepare for the Big Think. BIG THINK: Giving Discussion Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members engaged in the final discussion, asked questions, and voted for the final three nonprofit partners who will make a final presentation in October at The Big Give. Each of the three nonprofits will receive a grant award. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served. BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County WGC Big Give members will gather with all Big Give Members to hear from the three nonprofits about their proposed programs and vote on the grant award amounts. Then ... we'll celebrate!  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist, Donyel G. Bacon: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? My family’s legacy of community engagement; and my love of God, people, and self. It’s in my DNA to serve and create access for others to look beyond what they see. What moves me is the possibility of influencing generational outcomes and witnessing how a little civility impacts others. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? Giving and advocating for issues that are important to me began early in life. As a preteen, I raised enough funding to support a peer mentoring group and volunteered to raise awareness regarding women’s health programs after school. Those experiences, alongside my family in leading grassroots initiatives, have led me to become the chartering president of the Junior League of Howard County, whose mission is exclusively educational, philanthropic, and charitable. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? It starts with being mindful of what’s important to you. Take a pause and be intentional about your level of philanthropic support. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share ideas; be patient with yourself and others. Start small and know that every second of your time and any donation will have long terms effects. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022  WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist, Trina Thames: What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources? I believe the Lord wants us all to WIN in this journey we call life and I am passionate about helping others along their journey, especially our youth and women. Success isn't achieved alone. Everyone needs someone. Reaching back or to my side and grabbing someone's hand to encourage them along the way and show them the importance of paying it forward gives me complete joy. When did you start giving to issues that are important to you? I genuinely have the desire to serve. I have been serving in my community and the church community since I was in elementary school. It may be because I am the eldest of 5 siblings and it was instilled in me at a young age that no matter how little I may have, it is important to make sure that those around you have something too. I have two young adult daughters and in raising them I always volunteered in their schools and activities to show them it is important to contribute to your community so that you have a voice in making a difference ( neighborhood, school, church etc). Raising my girls ignited my passion to help our youth and our women, especially those of color. Not everyone has the same support system and I love helping to provide, direct and or teach about resources. What advice do you have for those interested in giving back? Even if you aren't able to contribute financially, know that your time, knowledge and expertise is just as valuable. Find a way to give back to what you are passionate about it. When you truly believe in the cause/issue you are giving back to, the more impactful the experience will be for you and those you are helping. Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022. #givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022 |
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Chair
|
|
