 March 2020
WGC Donors and Friends, Wow, what a difference a month makes since we sent our last eNewsletter. Last month we were discussing our ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, our trip to Seattle to meet with 75+ giving circles from across the country, and the many upcoming events we had planned for Women's History Month and beyond. As we've communicated, all previously planned WGC events are cancelled or on hold at the moment. As we end Women's History Month, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your generosity in so many ways, and specifically those of you who have donated to the WGC through our Emergency Response Network to support the community during this unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis. As many of you may know, the WGC's Emergency Response Network was created over 15 years ago and is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need through our nonprofit partners. However, to address the escalating and unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis, we've broadened the scope of our Emergency Response Network at this time to stay nimble and flexible to be as responsive as we can to growing community needs. The past two weeks we've organized three successful ERN requests that have raised over $13,000, that we have supported with over $6,000 in matching funds, for a total of just about $20,000 to give to the community so far:
In the coming weeks and months we will continue to pool our dollars through the ERN so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. Additionally, our Young Women's Giving Circle not only organized a Feminine Product Drive the last several months, but they raised $1,006.26, which the WGC supported with an additional $500. While the YWGC is waiting until it is safe to pick up and distribute the donated products, in order to assist during this challenging time, WGC/YWGC has used these funds to provide HopeWorks with a check for $750 and the Community Action Council with a check for $750 to purchase feminine products to distribute to those in need now. We are collaborating locally with the Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, and United Way of Central Maryland to assess where assistance may be needed, accept donations, and provide funding to assist Howard County nonprofits on the frontline of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare - through the newly launched HoCoRespond.com. Please give if you can, and help spread the word that funds will be available soon for nonprofits in our community. And, we are coordinating with funders across the state by participating in weekly calls through our statewide Maryland Philanthropy Network, to learn what our colleagues are doing, and share information. Finally, we are in contact with Philanos, our national network of women's giving circles across the country regarding philanthropy's important role during this challenging time. The Women's Giving Circle, along with local and national funders will continue to explore the path forward together in providing relief to our friends, neighbors, and communities. We are proud to be working directly with you, and representing you. We are all in this together. Stay strong, stay healthy! Sincerely, Barb Van Winkle WGC Chair If you have any questions about the Women's Giving Circle, our Emergency Response Network, or HoCoRespond.com, please contact WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz at wgcexecutivedirector@wgchowardcounty.org or myself at wgcchair@wgchowardcounty.org.
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 March 2020
WGC Donors and Friends, Wow, what a difference a month makes since we sent our last eNewsletter. Last month we were discussing our ongoing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work, our trip to Seattle to meet with 75+ giving circles from across the country, and the many upcoming events we had planned for Women's History Month and beyond. As we've communicated, all previously planned WGC events are cancelled or on hold at the moment. As we end Women's History Month, I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your generosity in so many ways, and specifically those of you who have donated to the WGC through our Emergency Response Network to support the community during this unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis. As many of you may know, the WGC's Emergency Response Network was created over 15 years ago and is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need through our nonprofit partners. However, to address the escalating and unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis, we've broadened the scope of our Emergency Response Network at this time to stay nimble and flexible to be as responsive as we can to growing community needs. The past two weeks we've organized three successful ERN requests that have raised over $13,000, that we have supported with over $6,000 in matching funds, for a total of just about $20,000 to give to the community so far:
In the coming weeks and months we will continue to pool our dollars through the ERN so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. Additionally, our Young Women's Giving Circle not only organized a Feminine Product Drive the last several months, but they raised $1,006.26, which the WGC supported with an additional $500. While the YWGC is waiting until it is safe to pick up and distribute the donated products, in order to assist during this challenging time, WGC/YWGC has used these funds to provide HopeWorks with a check for $750 and the Community Action Council with a check for $750 to purchase feminine products to distribute to those in need now. We are collaborating locally with the Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, and United Way of Central Maryland to assess where assistance may be needed, accept donations, and provide funding to assist Howard County nonprofits on the frontline of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare - through the newly launched HoCoRespond.com. Please give if you can, and help spread the word that funds will be available soon for nonprofits in our community. And, we are coordinating with funders across the state by participating in weekly calls through our statewide Maryland Philanthropy Network, to learn what our colleagues are doing, and share information. Finally, we are in contact with Philanos, our national network of women's giving circles across the country regarding philanthropy's important role during this challenging time. The Women's Giving Circle, along with local and national funders will continue to explore the path forward together in providing relief to our friends, neighbors, and communities. We are proud to be working directly with you, and representing you. We are all in this together. Stay strong, stay healthy! Sincerely, Barb Van Winkle WGC Chair If you have any questions about the Women's Giving Circle, our Emergency Response Network, or HoCoRespond.com, please contact WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz at wgcexecutivedirector@wgchowardcounty.org or myself at wgcchair@wgchowardcounty.org. WGC Emergency Response Network Raising $500 to Support Columbia Community Care ... Can You Help?3/26/2020
 HoCoRespond.com Raising Money and Giving Grants to Nonprofits in Howard County
Howard County funders are coordinating to rapidly raise funds and deploy critical resources to nonprofits in Howard County through HoCoRespond.com, with the goal of raising $100,000 in the next 10 days. "We're facing an unparalleled challenge, and it will require collective action and support for those that are impacted the hardest,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “We’re calling upon our community to practice kindness and compassion in supporting their neighbors, friends, and strangers through this time.” The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, accept donations and provide funding to assist Howard County nonprofits on the frontline of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. “Through this fund we are coordinating with peers in philanthropy, government and business to respond to the urgent health and economic needs of disproportionately impacted communities in Howard County,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We know that in these unprecedented times, our community will take care of one another, and I have no doubt that we will reach our initial goal of raising $100,000 in 10 days in record time.” Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:
“Howard County Funders are committed to taking steps to address the coronavirus outbreak in ways that include deep considerations of equity, taking care to support community members who are most impacted,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. “We strongly believe that funders must put equity at the forefront of the COVID-19 response.” The opportunity for nonprofits to apply for funding will be available at HoCoRespond.com when the $100,000 goal is reached. “Nonprofits that meet the basic needs of Howard County residents are eligible for operating support including those that provide child care, food, housing, health care and mental health services, as well as those that support our local health care system and frontline health care workers,” said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. This unprecedented public health crisis is rapidly evolving and HoCoRespond.com will be monitoring the situation and adjusting efforts as necessary. “As the management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, each organization will continue to work diligently to keep abreast of the updates, respond accordingly and support decisions made by county, state and federal authorities,” said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle. ##
 We want to thank all of the organizations and businesses that have generously been serving as collection sites for the YWGC's Feminine Product Drive!
The drive was scheduled to end today and boxes around the county are stuffed full of donations. Given the challenges of picking up products due to COVID-19 related closings and restrictions, we will wait to collect product donations from our collection partners until it is safe to do so. Once we collect all the donated products the YWGC will be presenting them to our partners at HopeWorks and the Community Action Council to distribute to those in need. In addition to these product donations, we've received $1,500 dollars to date in financial donations for YWGC's Feminine Product Drive, and we are continuing to accept donations. In order to assist during this unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, we will be providing HopeWorks with a check for $750 and the Community Action Council with a check for $750 this week to purchase feminine products to distribute to those in need now. We will continue to update the community on the YWGC's efforts. Many thanks to our collection partners and everyone who has donated products and money to the YWGC's Feminine Product Drive!  WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $5,000 - We Did It!
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County received a request from our partners at the Community Action Council (CAC) for $5,000 to help women and their families in need, and in less than 24 hours you all responded! As you know, our Emergency Response Network is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need, however, during this unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis, we invited donors to give $5,000, which the WGC will now match dollar for dollar to assist in providing adequate amounts of food to support Head Start families in Howard County, served by the CAC. We are now sending a $10,000 check to the CAC. Thank you for pooling your dollars together to have a bigger impact together than any of us might otherwise have alone. That is the power of a giving circle. We have decided to continue to accept donations, beyond the $5,000, to give directly to the CAC. You Can Continue to Donate Here In the meantime, we stand ready to continue to assist our nonprofit partners during this public health crisis through our powerful Emergency Response Network.  Local funders announce new emergency funds and actions to support the community
Columbia, Md. – Four local philanthropies have announced new emergency funds and actions to support community members affected by COVID-19. The Community Foundation of Howard County, Horizon Foundation, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County are working together to assess where assistance may be needed, provide funding, and accept donations to assist Howard County nonprofits on the front line of support, focusing on assisting with food security, housing, childcare and healthcare. "We're incredibly grateful to have a philanthropic community that is rising to this unfolding challenge with the spread of coronavirus," said County Executive Calvin Ball. "These funds are critical to ensuring that during this time of uncertainty there will be supports in place to cover basic expenses, groceries, and bills for those in need." "We are proud to collaborate to track and coordinate the funding community's response to this unprecedented public health crisis," said Beverly White-Seals, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Howard County. "The community foundation stands ready to assist through our Howard County Community Relief Fund." As the management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, each organization will continue to work diligently to keep abreast of the updates, respond accordingly and support decisions made by county, state and federal authorities. United Way of Central Maryland has pledged $5,000 to support nonprofits providing relief efforts, and will also match up to $5,000 from donors. "United Way is here to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed through our new COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “As work schedules are cut or jobs are eliminated because of the virus, we know that people will need help covering basic expenses, like rent or mortgage, food, utility bills and healthcare, and this fund will help support those needs." The Horizon Foundation has given $20,000 in emergency relief to the Community Action Council of Howard County to help buy food for Head Start families and for the Food Bank. Horizon also has contributed $40,000 to jump-start the emergency funds established by the Community Foundation of Howard County, United Way of Central Maryland and Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. “We know the short and long-term impact of COVID-19 will have lasting implications and will disproportionately affect community members who are earning hourly wages, going without health insurance, needing child care and facing financial hurdles,” said Nikki Highsmith Vernick, president and CEO of the Horizon Foundation. "The Horizon Foundation and the Howard County funding community are here to support the needs of our most vulnerable residents and frontline health care workers as we work collaboratively to plan for the future to assist those who may be most affected in the months ahead." The Howard County funding community is working together to ensure that each fund has maximum reach and effectiveness, and are urging donors and the community at large to look for opportunities to support the critical needs of nonprofits they wish to help. "The Women's Giving Circle, our donors, and the local funding community will continue to explore the path forward in providing relief to our neighbors and we look forward to the strength this partnership brings in supporting and enhancing these efforts," said Barb Van Winkle, chair of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County. "We are all in this together." Those looking to help can donate to the following emergency funds supporting nonprofits that are assisting community members affected by COVID-19:
As Howard County works to respond to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, these organizations will continue to collaborate to assist community stakeholders, business leaders and public sector leaders to ensure a coordinated and comprehensive response. ## The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County 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
 March 12, 2020 WGC Donors, Partners and Friends, In light of the rapidly evolving challenges of coronavirus (COVID-19) we wanted to let you know that the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Advisory Board is taking the health and well-being of our donors, partners and community very seriously. As the impact of the COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are taking precautions to minimize risk and focusing on providing assistance to our nonprofit partners in the following ways:
In the coming days and weeks we will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local, state, and federal agencies. We are confident that our community of donors will continue to care for one another during this public health crisis, and will focus in particular on the most vulnerable among us. On behalf of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Advisory Board, we thank you. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director Today we celebrated International Women's Day by going to the International Women's Day Reception hosted by the Columbia Art Center to view the Visionary Women, The Journey: Paving the Way Exhibit! This is an art exhibit by women, for women in recognition of National Women’s History Month that runs from March 8 - 29, 2020. WGC Founding Member Barbara K. Lawson represented the Women's Giving Circle as a juror for the beautiful artworks by over 40 incredible local female artists. "We are proud to be a partner and supporter for the Visionary Women exhibits!" said WGC Chair Barb Van Winkle. It was wonderful to see so many people at the event, and many past and present WGC Advisory Board members and donors. Thank you to Columbia Arts Center Director Liz Henzey, and congratulations to all of the artists and the winners! Didn't have a chance to attend? On March 25 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm WGC is hosting a Happy Hour and Private Viewing of the Visionary Women: Paving the Way Exhibit for WGC Donors in Celebration of Women's History Month - please join us! You can register to attend here. #internationalwomensday #womenshistorymonth #womensequality #womensempowerment  The Women's Giving Circle was excited to participate in the Her Mind Live event on March 5, 1:00-7:30 pm at Laurel Park! A number of WGC Advisory Board members and donors took part in the day, including Melissa Curtin of Melissa Curtin Coaching + Consulting, who was on an education panel. We also provided information about the WGC at the event, and the WGC is featured in the Her Mind Magazine, in the Helping Howard section! Take a look below. And, the Young Women's Giving Circle is featured in a section on philanthropy - grab a magazine to read more - you will find them around the county this year! Her Mind Live was part networking, part personal & professional growth and part fun. And, Her Mind Magazine reports on the accomplishments, the celebrations and the challenges that Howard County women are involved with every day and offer readers insightful and inspiring stories about Howard County women in business, philanthropy, community service and the arts. Great news - WGC will soon have a monthly blog about philanthropy in Her Mind Magazine - stay tuned!  WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle Feminine Product Drive Continues Through March! Can You Help?3/4/2020  Hello! We are members of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's Young Women's Giving Circle (YWGC) and we are collecting feminine products through March 18 to provide to women and girls in need in our community. We are also collecting monetary donations through the end of March to purchase products - and we are about halfway to our goal of raising at least $1,000. We are inviting you today, during Women's History Month, to join us!
We chose to focus on this product drive because it is a need that is often overlooked. Did you know:
Thank you SO much for your consideration of support! February 2020
WGC Donors and Friends, I write today having just returned from Seattle and the CatalistWomen PowerUP! Conference - with our Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz and hundreds of women from giving circles from around the country representing over $100 million+ in giving. We had the opportunity to learn from many women, including Keynote Speaker Tricia Raikes of the Raikes Foundation, who wrote this Op Ed in the Seattle Times, Diversity will make women’s philanthropy more impactful, and who discussed "Facing Our Blind Spots: How Women Can Change Philanthropy" - I hope you'll take a look. The overarching theme of the conference was about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which will help to inform our work. Speaking of our DEI work, I am thrilled to announce that the WGC has received a $10,000 grant from the Horizon Foundation to help leverage our new initiative to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. We are building on our core values by implementing a DEI lens to and through our work - values that have always been important to us and that we are now prioritizing through the leadership of our DEI Committee Co-Chairs Hina Naseem and Judy Smith. Thank you for your efforts! We had a fantastic Happy Hour on February 12 where we discussed WGC's 2020 Funding Support for Programs that Benefit Girls. As I said at the event, we fund programs that benefit women and girls because nonprofits and programs that focus on women and girls are traditionally underfunded - and, as far as our support for girls, we know that young girls benefit from programs specially designed to meet their needs. Take a look at our funding focused on girls this year. Thank you to all who joined us and to our partners at Leadership Howard County for hosting us! As we move into Spring we are continuing to bring people together with common interests to learn about issues impacting our community and to fund programs that benefit women and girls in Howard County. We hope you can join us and/or participate in some of these upcoming events and efforts - this list will continue to be updated and can be found on our website:
As part of the Howard County community for over 19 years, we have raised over $1 million to support our efforts from over 1,000 donors, and have given over $500,000 and 150+ grants to nonprofits that support women and girls in our community. And we do this together – as a Giving Circle. It takes all of us investing our time, talent, and financial resources in various ways to ensure we are having an impact. Thank you - I invite your continued support of the WGC and look forward to seeing you throughout the year!! Barb Van Winkle WGC Chair WGCChair@womensgivingcircle.org |
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving." - Barb Van Winkle, Chair
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