• 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
WGC OF HOWARD COUNTY
  • 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

WGC eNewsletter - March 2020

3/31/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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:
​
  • Community Action Council: We asked for $5,000 and to date, 102 donors have helped to raise $11,944.88. We matched the first $5,000 with $5,000 and have sent a $10,000 check to CAC. We will use the additional funds to continue to help CAC in the coming weeks.
  • Teen Parenting Program: We asked for $500 and raised $716.69 from 13 donors. We matched the first $500 and sent a check to Wilde Lake High School for the Teen Parenting Program to purchase diapers and wipes for teen moms, dads and their babies. We'll use the additional funds to assist the community in the coming weeks.
  • Columbia Community Care: We asked for $500 and raised $553.74 from 17 donors to purchase items to assist families in need of food and other basic necessities. We matched this and are purchasing and delivering $1,000+ worth of food and other items this week.

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 [email protected] or myself at [email protected].

0 Comments

WGC Connector - March 2020

3/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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:
​
  • Community Action Council: We asked for $5,000 and to date, 102 donors have helped to raise $11,944.88. We matched the first $5,000 with $5,000 and have sent a $10,000 check to CAC. We will use the additional funds to continue to help CAC in the coming weeks.
  • Teen Parenting Program: We asked for $500 and raised $716.69 from 13 donors. We matched the first $500 and sent a check to Wilde Lake High School for the Teen Parenting Program to purchase diapers and wipes for teen moms, dads and their babies. We'll use the additional funds to assist the community in the coming weeks.
  • Columbia Community Care: We asked for $500 and raised $553.74 from 17 donors to purchase items to assist families in need of food and other basic necessities. We matched this and are purchasing and delivering $1,000+ worth of food and other items this week.

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 [email protected] or myself at [email protected].

0 Comments

WGC Emergency Response Network Raising $500 to Support Columbia Community Care ... Can You Help?

3/26/2020

1 Comment

 
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is requesting help in raising $500 to support families in need in Howard County that are being served by a grassroots effort called Columbia Community Care. The WGC will match this $500 and then purchase $1,000 worth of basic food and cleaning items to donate.

Columbia Community Care is a grassroots effort that has been assisting members of our community the last several weeks with emergency food and other basic needs items. They have quickly established a volunteer base that is adhering to COVID-19 safety procedures, and have set up tables in several outdoor locations for families to donate or pick-up items.  They are receiving many donations and are running out of food and other basic needs items by the end of the day.

Can you help? Any amount is appreciated, thank you!


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 coronavirus public health crisis, we recently extended the scope of the ERN for a period of time to assist broader needs and more people in our community, and we will continue to pool our dollars so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone.
1 Comment

Howard County Funders Aim to Raise $100,000 in 10 Days to Address Coronavirus

3/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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:

  • The Community Foundation of Howard County has its established Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.
 
  • The United Way of Central Maryland has established the COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.
​
  • The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County has its long-established Emergency Response Network (ERN) for donors to support specific needs in the community that the WGC will match in the coming weeks and months ahead.  

“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.

##

0 Comments

WGC's Current ERN Request Responding to the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

3/23/2020

1 Comment

 
WGC's Current Emergency Response Network Request 

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 Head Start families in need through the Food Bank. To date, the WGC has raised and matched the $5,000 request through our Emergency Response Network and has sent a $10,000 check to the CAC.
​
Thanks to the generosity of many donors who want to help, we have raised significantly more than the $5,000 we originally requested. 

In order to do the most good during this unprecedented coronavirus public health crisis, we are leaving this funding request open and will continue to send all donations directly to the CAC to address growing food security issues in our community.

Can you help? Any amount is appreciated. Thank you so much for your consideration.

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 coronavirus public health crisis, we recently extended the scope of the ERN for a period of time to assist broader needs and more people in our community, and we will continue to pool our dollars so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone.

This is our current ERN request. We will continue to send other ERN requests to our network to assist our nonprofit partners in the community.
1 Comment

WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $500 - Can You Help?

3/22/2020

1 Comment

 

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is responding to a request for help providing diapers and wipes to teen moms, dads and their families in need, and we are hoping to raise $500 that we will match with $500 ... can you help?

Our Emergency Response Network is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need. However, during this unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, today we are inviting donations of up to $500 that the WGC will match, to help numerous teen parents in need.

Can you help? Any amount is appreciated.


You Can Donate Here

Additionally, Wilde Lake High School Principal, Marcy Leonard, has organized a diaper and wipe drop off tomorrow - Monday, March 23 at Swansfield Elementary from 10:45 am - 12:00 pm to support teen parents. Any kind of baby wipes are appreciated, and diapers in sizes 2,3,4 and 5 are needed - open packages are welcome.


Wilde Lake hosts the Teen Parenting Program for the entire county, so donations support students from across HCPSS, not just Wilde Lake. ​
Over a dozen teen moms, dads and their babies are in the program.

​These donations will be incredibly important in helping these students and their families focus their often-limited financial resources on other vital needs since they won’t have to worry about restocking diapers and wipes.


Thank you for any help you can provide!
1 Comment

YWGC's Feminine Product Drive Supporting Those in Need

3/18/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture
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!

1 Comment

24 hours, 63 women, $5,000 ... 1 community. Thank you!

3/16/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.

0 Comments

Howard County Philanthropies Coordinate Coronavirus Response

3/16/2020

2 Comments

 
Picture
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:

  • The Community Foundation of Howard County has established the Howard County Community Relief Fund to address ongoing emergencies in Howard County. Members of the community and fund holders at the foundation are invited to donate.
 
  • The United Way of Central Maryland encourages community members to call 211, which is open at all times, for help finding food or shelter, paying bills, getting care or finding tax assistance. United Way is also working to mobilize volunteers and has established the new COVID-19 Community Fund for Central Maryland to support the community, and in particular, support those who operate on the frontlines of providing help and resources to those in need. Community members are invited to donate.
​
  • The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is inviting donations through its Emergency Response Network that will go directly to the Community Action Council to assist in providing adequate amounts of food to support Head Start families in Howard County. The organization has matched the first $5,000 and is continuing to accept donations. The WGC will continue to call on donors through the ERN in the coming weeks and months ahead. The WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle (YWGC) raised $1,500 that will be given to HopeWorks ($750) and CAC ($750) to purchase feminine hygiene products.

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

2 Comments

WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $5,000 - Can You Help?

3/14/2020

2 Comments

 
The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County has received a request from our partners at the Community Action Council (CAC) for $5,000 to help women and their families in need. 

Our Emergency Response Network is typically utilized for donations up to $1,000 to help an individual in need, however, during this unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, we are inviting donations of up to $5,000 that the WGC will match dollar for dollar to assist in providing adequate amounts of food to support Head Start families in Howard County, served by the CAC.

Can you help? Any amount is appreciated.

From the Community Action Council: The management of the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve at a fast pace, and, as an organization, CAC has been working diligently to keep abreast of the updates and to respond accordingly.

As the designated anti-poverty organization in our community, CAC is the "go to" entity for the most vulnerable residents of our community. As you might recall, CAC became one of the central points of service during the two most recent floods of 2016 and 2018 and it remains committed to that level of high quality and immediate service. 

After the Governor’s announcement last week to close all public schools, and after consultation with the County Executive and the CAC Executive Committee, CAC made the local determination to continue to keep Head Start open. However, things changed quickly and it became apparent that the best course of action for CAC was to close the Head Start program from March 16 to March 27, 2020.


In order to continue to support the Head Start families during this unprecedented time, CAC respectfully requests the support of the Women’s Giving Circle in order to purchase adequate amounts of food to put together food baskets for three days. ​


CAC anticipates the cost of serving 322 families breakfast and lunch for three days would be approximately $10 per day for a total of $10,000. Additionally, CAC will try to provide a small financial subsidy to support the families with purchase of items not provided in the food baskets. 

Every one of these measures has been put in place with an abundance of care for the health and safety of the CAC staff as well as our commitment to serve the most vulnerable residents of our community.

​Stay healthy, check on your neighbors and know that we will successfully get through this together.


Thank you so much for your consideration.
2 Comments

Women's Giving Circle of Howard County Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

3/12/2020

1 Comment

 
Picture


​






​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:
​
  • We are cancelling our March 25 Happy Hour and Private Viewing of the Visionary Women: Paving the Way Exhibit.
  • We are cancelling all upcoming committee and group meetings until further notice.
  • Our Advisory Board will be meeting virtually until further notice.
  • We stand ready to work with our nonprofit partners to assist those in need who are impacted by COVID-19 through the WGC's Emergency Response Network (ERN) of donors. 
  • We have set aside additional funds to assist our ERN nonprofit partners working with women and their families who are facing COVID-19 related challenges such as food insecurity, rent, and transportation issues due to school and employment closings, and more.

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

1 Comment

WGC Supports the Visionary Women: Paving the Way Exhibit on International Women's Day

3/8/2020

0 Comments

 
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 
Picture
0 Comments

WGC Partners with Her Mind Magazine

3/6/2020

0 Comments

 
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!
Picture
0 Comments

A Primer on Giving - Young Women's Giving Circle

3/6/2020

0 Comments

 
Check out this article in Her Mind Magazine that profiles our Young Women's Giving Circle!
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle Feminine Product Drive Continues Through March! Can You Help?

3/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture


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! 


  • Would you like to donate to help us meet our goal of raising at least $1,000? If so, please click here to donate - any amount will help!
  • Would you like to drop off products at one of our collection sites? If so, please click here to find a list of sites around the county!

We chose to focus on this product drive because it is a need that is often overlooked. Did you know:

  • 29% of girls miss school due to lack of supplies needed.
  • 39% cannot provide period products for themselves.
  • Some are forced to use towels and plastic instead of proper supplies. ​

Thank you SO much for your consideration of support!

0 Comments

WGC Connector - February 2020

3/2/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
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:
  • January - May: WGC-Funded Journey Camp Applications - MLW is accepting applications through 5/15​
  • February - March: WGC's Young Women's Giving Circle Feminine Product Drive
  • March 5:  Her Mind Live Event - WGC is participating in the event and has a profile in Her Mind Magazine 
  • March 8: 2020 Visionary Women: Paving the Way Reception - WGC is attending on International Women's Day
  • March 15: Girl Power! 2020 - WGC is funding and attending this terrific event
  • March 25: Visionary Women: Paving the Way Exhibit - WGC is hosting this Happy Hour and Private Viewing for WGC Donors in Celebration of Women's History Month - 3/25, 4:30 - 6:00 pm, Columbia Arts Center
  • April 18: Dear Mama: A Black Maternal Health Art Exhibition - WGC is supporting and attending this important exhibit
  • July 12-18: Journey Camp at Washington College

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
[email protected]

0 Comments

    WGC
    ​News

    The latest news, information, and opinion from the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, MD.

    PAST
    ​POSTS

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    FOCUS

    All
    Donors
    ENewsletter
    Events
    Grants
    News
    Resources

Picture
"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​." - Jennifer Woods, Chair
Picture
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
​​​WGC is a proud member of and partner with local, regional and national philanthropic organizations 
Picture
Picture
Picture

Contact Us

www.womensgivingcircle.org

    Subscribe Today!

Submit
  • 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