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WGC OF HOWARD COUNTY
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A Movement, Not a Moment: The Power of Giving Circles in Times of Need

2/18/2025

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Across the nation and around the world, giving circles unite people to pool their resources and invest in grassroots, community-based organizations. We are more than donors—we are neighbors, advocates, and changemakers. And as a people-powered philanthropic ecosystem, we are always listening.

Right now, we hear our nonprofit partners sounding the alarm. They are navigating devastating wildfires, funding cuts, and policies that threaten the very communities they serve. They are showing up every day for people in crisis. The question is: Will we show up for them?

The answer is clear:  We must.

Many of us may feel uncertain about what to do in moments like these. But collective giving was built for times of crisis. Giving circles remove barriers, move resources quickly, and stand in solidarity with those on the frontlines. Now is the time to take action.

What We Can Do—Together

1. Give Your Time & Talent → Show Up and Ask

  • Pick up the phone. Call a nonprofit leader. Ask, What do you need today?
  • Offer your skills. Are you a lawyer? Help navigate policy changes. A marketer? Spread their message. An organizer? Mobilize volunteers. Your time and expertise are just as valuable as dollars.

2. Give Your Treasure → Move Money, No Strings Attached

  • Send funds now, no red tape. Giving circles have the power to mobilize unrestricted dollars immediately.
  • Give bigger, stretch further. If you’ve ever considered increasing your giving, this is the moment to do it.

3. Give Your Testimony → Amplify Their Voices

  • Share their stories. Who is doing critical work in your community? Post about them. Introduce them to funders. Bring them into conversations they’re too often left out of.
  • Call your representatives. Advocate for policies that protect funding for grassroots organizations. Your voice carries weight. Use it.

4. Give Your Ties → Activate Your Network

  • Rally your circle. Bring your friends, family, and colleagues into this movement.
  • Leverage your influence. Whether you have ten followers or ten thousand, someone is listening to you. Make sure they hear this: Now is the time to give.

This is What We Do.

Giving circles exist for moments like this. We don’t wait, we don’t hesitate, and we don’t let grassroots leaders stand alone. Whether in times of quiet progress or urgent crisis, we show up.

And we will continue to do so. Stand with us. Share this message with your giving circle and confirm your commitment. Not part of a giving circle? Join us. 

In action and solidarity,

Philanthropy Together’s Network Braintrust
​
  • 100 Who Care Alliance
  • American Muslim Community Foundation
  • Amplifier
  • Black Funding Network
  • Community Investment Network
  • Grapevine
  • Latino Community Foundation
  • NEID Global
  • Next Gen Giving Circle
  • Philanos
  • Radfund
  • Social Venture Partners International
  • Together Women Rise
  • The Awesome Foundation
  • The Funding Network
  • The Funding Network Australia  
  • The States Project
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Happy Valentines Day! Give a Gift to the WGC “In Her Honor“!

2/14/2025

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Looking for a Galentines/Valentines gift for the ones you love?

Give a gift to the WGC “In Her Honor“!


Recognize someone special by making a special gift in her honor to the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County.

Giving a gift that supports women and girls is a way to celebrate and honor the women and girls in your life while making a lasting impact for women and girls in Howard County for the future.

We will inform those you wish to honor by email. And, we will announce your gift in our marketing efforts.

Learn more here!

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3 Questions With ... Philanthropist Valerie Montague in Honor of Black History Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories

2/13/2025

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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 Valerie Montague in Honor of Black History Month.

​
Read Valerie Montague's full profile here

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

"Find something that resonates with you and that makes you feel good when you share it with others. Whether you mentor young people, testify about legislation, volunteer at a food pantry, lead book clubs or donate to charity, you are helping others in impactful ways that make our community better. And, in Howard County, whichever way you prefer to give back, there is an organization, emotional space, and/or physical place for you to do so. ​"

​Valerie supports the following:
​
  • Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • League of Women Voters of Howard County
  • Howard County Human Rights Commission

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.

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Harnessing the Strength of our Community

2/4/2025

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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


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"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​." - Jennifer Woods, Chair
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WGC is proud to be a fund of the
​Community Foundation of Howard County - cfhoco.org

EIN Number: 52-0937644
Find us on Guidestar Here
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  • Home
  • About
    • WGC Mission, Vision, Values, Goals
    • WGC Advisory Board
    • WGC Committees
    • WGC 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
    • WGC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
    • WGC is a Fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County
    • WGC - 20 Years at a Glance
    • WGC Herstory
    • WGC - Get Involved
  • Give
    • WGC's 4 Distinct Ways to Give >
      • WGC Community Member >
        • WGC In Her Honor >
          • In Honor and Memory of WGC Supporter Jackie Melonas
        • WGC Core Support
        • WGC Impact 2024
      • WGC Sponsor Member >
        • Thank You 2025 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2024 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2023 Sponsors!
        • Thank You 2022 Sponsors!
      • WGC Legacy Member
      • WGC Big Give Member >
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Individual Donation
        • WGC Big Give $1,200 Team Donation
        • WGC Big Give Process and Grantmaking Guidelines
    • WGC's Emergency Response Network
    • WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle
    • WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive
    • WGC's Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund
  • Grants
  • Events
  • News
    • WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County
    • WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories Series >
      • Monthly OGOS Profiles
      • Black Philanthropy Month OGOS Profiles
      • OGOS Nominations
    • WGC's 20 Years, 20 Stories
    • WGC's (S)hero Mosaic
  • Blog
  • Contact