Young Women’s Giving Circle Helps Advance Statewide Menstrual Equity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories". Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community.​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's several organizations that Niti currently supports:

• Feed HoCo Inc.
• Grassroots
• HopeWorks

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

Learn more about the ​WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" and nominate a woman today! We are always accepting the names of women throughout the year who may be profiled for their inspiring philanthropic leadership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Big Give Proposal Highlights:

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

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

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

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

Read more on the CFHC website about the event here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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