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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
  • Give
    • WGC's 4 Distinct Ways to Give >
      • WGC Community Member >
        • WGC's 20th Anniversary
        • WGC In Her Honor >
          • In Honor and Memory of WGC Supporter Jackie Melonas
        • WGC Core Support
        • WGC Impact 2024
      • WGC Sponsor Member >
        • 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 Emergency Response Network
    • WGC Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund
  • Grants
  • Events
    • WGC's 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party!
  • News
    • WGC's 20 Years, 20 Stories >
      • #16 - Our Giving, Our Stories
      • #17 - State of Women and Girls in Howard County
      • #18 - Local Funding Partnerships
      • #19 - First Executive Director
      • #20 - Celebrating 20 Years of Impact!
    • WGC's 20 Years in Photos - A Snapshot
    • WGC's State of Women and Girls in Howard County
    • WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories Series >
      • 2022 OGOS Black Philanthropy Month
      • 2021-2020 OGOS Black Philanthropy Month
      • 2023-2021 OGOS Monthly Profiles >
        • OGOS Nominations
    • WGC's (S)hero Mosaic
  • Blog
  • Contact

Find all the good we are up to on our blog.

WGC 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Howard Community College

1/26/2023

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WGC 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party 
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
at Howard Community College


With Keynote Speaker: Victoria Vrana, CEO of Global Giving, Speaking on: “Building Community Through Cooperation + Collaboration”

Purchase Tickets or Sponsor Here

Join us to hear the latest update on the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County as we celebrate our collective efforts this year, and our cooperation and collaboration with our donors/members and our nonprofit and community partners to support women, girls and families in Howard County.

Hear from Keynote Speaker Victoria Vrana, CEO of GlobalGiving. Formerly the Deputy Director of Philanthropic Partnerships at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she is a global philanthropic leader and innovator who has broad experience overseeing portfolios in policy, data, and everyday giving and in collective giving.

And, learn from a panel conversation with Victoria and WGC partners about how we are building community through cooperation + collaboration. Please join us!

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3 Questions With Philanthropist, Regina M. Clay for WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

1/9/2023

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What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?

"Most people wait to be inspired to act. I choose to act in order to get inspiration ...

​I have always been blessed with a heart to serve and give. For me, it's as natural as breathing. When I see an area that needs attention, I simply allow what's already in me to manifest openly."

​ - Regina M. Clay

Three organizations that Regina currently supports:
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  • Columbia Community Care
  • The 3rd
  • Life Change AME Church

Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories", an ongoing series of giving profiles designed to celebrate women's philanthropy and amplify the voices of women and girls in Howard County.

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​Double click the profile to read it as a large PDF - enjoy!
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Your January 2023 WGC Engagement Checklist - Join Us!

1/5/2023

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Are you interested in getting more involved in the WGC this year?

Here's your planning checklist!

Here are 5 opportunities for you to engage in the work of the WGC in the coming months. Take a look, mark your calendars, sign-up, donate, sponsor, and/or purchase tickets and plan to join us a we work collectively to support women and girls in Howard County!

  • PARTICIPATE: WGC's Monthly Membership Monday Chat - 1/23 at 8:30 am
  • SPONSOR: WGC's 2023 Sponsorship Opportunities - $200 + Up
  • REGISTER: WGC's 2023 Annual Celebration & Pink Party - 3/8 at 5:30 pm
  • DONATE: WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - 2023
  • JOIN: WGC's 2023 Big Give! - 4/30 Deadline

We hope you will join us! As always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. See you soon!
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WGC 2023 Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - January Update

1/3/2023

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The WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive continues to bring in needed supplies for women and girls in Howard County. You can support this effort in two ways:

  • Donate Products: We are collecting donated products on a regular basis and bringing them to the Community Action Council/Howard County Food Bank, Columbia Community Care, and other places to distribute to women and girls in our community. 
  • Donate Money: We invite donations to the WGC that we will provide to our nonprofit partners so they can purchase products for their clients.

The WGC has chosen to continue our focus on this because it's a need that is easily and often overlooked.

Did you know ...
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  • 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.

You can read more about this important issue here.

Many thanks to our partners at the Howard County Library System, that has bins in all branches, as well as our partners at Bra-La-La and The 3rd who are collecting products regularly. 
Thank you to everyone who donated money and/or products at locations around Howard County in 2022. We were able to donate hundreds of pounds of products and $3,780 dollars to WGC nonprofit partners to purchase products for their clients.
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WGC 2022 Year in Review

12/31/2022

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WGC 20 Years of Impact, By the Numbers

12/30/2022

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Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's 2022 Grants to Date

12/30/2022

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The WGC is a fund that gives grants … it’s what we do!

  • We have been part of the Howard County community for 20 years, having launched in 2002. 
  • This year, in 2022, WGC will give $200,000 in celebration of our 20th Anniversary year.
  • By the end of this year we will have given over $1,000,000 to our nonprofit partners in Howard County!
  • Learn more about WGC's grantmaking here.
  • Learn more about the WGC's Emergency Response Network here.
"We are proud to support our nonprofit partners on the ground focusing on women, girls, and families in our community." - Candace Dodson-Reed & Alison Canning,  
2022 WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
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WGC's 2022 Grantee Partners to Date:

  • Business Women’s Network of Howard County: for a Lifelong Learner Scholarship - $1,500
  • Columbia Community Care: Pantry Support - $500
  • Community Allies of Rainbow Youth (CARY) - $100
  • Community Ecology Institute/Freetown Farm: Community Barn Raiser - $5,500
  • Community Foundation of Howard County: CFHoCo Porch Naming​ ​- $4,000
  • Community Foundation of Howard County: YWGC/Youth in Philanthropy Partnership - $5,000
  • Food and Care For All, Inc.: Support for Women and Families - $1,000
  • Get on the Bus: Scholarships for 10 Girls - $5,000
  • Highland Project: Support of our Social Justice Grant to The 3rd - $10,000
  • Howard Hospital Foundation: Breast Imaging Center for Women - $6,000
  • Howard Community College: Continuing Education: Scholarships and Books - $10,500
  • Howard Community College: Head Start Empowerment Scholarship - $2,875
  • Junior Achievement of Central Maryland: JA Rising Women​ ​Program - $20,000
  • JustLiving Advocacy: WorkHER Program for Single Mothers - $5,000
  • JustLiving Advocacy: Back-to-School Supply Drive - $1,000
  • Leadership Howard County’s Leadership:   Scholarships for Female Participants - $5,000
  • National Black Philanthropy Month: $1,000 
  • Neighbor Ride: 200 Rides for Senior Women - $2,500
  • Philanthropy Together: We Give Summit  - $500
  • Sobar: Sobar Certification - $1,000
  • The 3rd: Black Philanthropy Month  - $1,500
  • The 3rd: Leadership Development Program - $20,000
  • United Way of Central Maryland: Scholarship for the New Family Center - $5,000
  • Emergency Response Network Grants: 
    • ERN Request for Columbia Community Care for Gift Cards for the Holiday Season - $2,000
    • ERN Request for the Community Action Council for Thanksgiving Meals for Families - $1,500
    • ERN Request for the Howard County Autism Society for a woman in need - $1,308
    • ERN Request for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center to Support a Woman in Need - $1,435
    • ERN Request for HopeWorks to support a woman in need - $2,100
    • ERN Request for Luminus to Support Afghan Refugee Families - $10,000
    • ERN Request for WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive - $3,760

  • Big Give 2022 Grants:
    • Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center - $10,000
    • HopeWorks - $6,000
    • HCC Educational Foundation - $4,000

  • Changemaker Challenge Grants: 3, $1,000 grants to Female-Lead Programs - $3,000
    • Howard County Autism Society
    • Howard County Lynching Truth & Reconciliation
    • Oakland Mills Online​

  • WGC 20th Anniversary ERN Grants: 10, $2,000 grants to ERN partners - $20,000
    • Bridges to Housing Stability
    • Community Action Council
    • Columbia Community Care
    • Girls on the Run
    • Grassroots
    • Hope Works
    • Howard County Autism Society
    • HCC Educational Foundation
    • Howard Hospital Foundation
    • Luminus
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We are grateful for you.

12/19/2022

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December 2022 WGC eNewsletter - Click Here to Read the eNewsletter
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WGC End-of-Year Advisory Board Meeting & Celebration

12/13/2022

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The WGC Advisory Board had a wonderful night at The 3rd celebrating the end of our 20th Anniversary Year!

We highlighted WGC's Leadership:

  • We acknowledged long-time WGC Advisory Board Chair Barb Van Winkle, who will stay on the Advisory Board and assume the role of Immediate Past Chair, and Kim Agnor and Alice Giles for their Advisory Board service as they leave the Advisory Board after many years of support.
  • We celebrated Jennifer Bodensiek and Candace Dodson Reed as our incoming Chair and Vice Chair, and welcomed Cheryl Gray and Adora Brown as our incoming Advisory Board members.
  • And, we thanked all WGC Advisory Board members for their incredible leadership this year and all those who will continue leading committees and those who will assume new roles.

We are grateful to all of WGC's leaders for their generosity of time, talent, and treasure! For anyone interested in honoring Barb and all WGC leaders, please consider contributing to the WGC Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund!

We reviewed WGC's 20 Years of Impact - By the Numbers, WGC's 2022 Year in Review & Opportunities for Growth, reviewed and voted on our new WGC 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, and we discussed how Advisory Board members can continue to support WGC's efforts in 2023. 

And, we celebrated our members and nonprofit partners! 

We are looking forward to a meaningful year in 2023, together. Check out our upcoming Events, including our March 8, 2023 Annual Celebration and Pink Party with Keynote Speaker Victoria Vrana, CEO of Global Giving, who will discuss "Growing Philanthropy Through Cooperation + Collaboration". Sponsor or purchase tickets here!

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WGC Announces New Advisory Board Members, 2023 Leadership

12/1/2022

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Columbia, MD, December 1, 2022 - The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is very pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Advisory Board, as well as the full slate of Executive Committee and Advisory Board members for 2023. 
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The newly elected Advisory Board members are Adora Brown and Cheryl Gray Hines.

“We are thrilled to welcome these two talented women, each of whom bring diverse experience and unique backgrounds to the Women’s Giving Circle” said Women’s Giving Circle Advisory Board Chair, Barb Van Winkle. 


Adora Brown: Adora Brown is an Emerson College sophomore working in journalism, marketing, and the nonprofit sector. She has written for various publications such as Baltimore Style, Milk Crate, The Mountain, and The Voiced Society. She does freelance marketing work for Melissa Curtin Coaching and other small businesses. In recent years, she has emerged in the nonprofit sector, accomplishing many creative goals with the Elma Lewis Center of Emerson College and The 3rd. Adora is on the WGC’s Events Committee and helping to manage the WGC’s Feminine Hygiene Product Drive.
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Cheryl Gray Hines: Cheryl Gray Hines is an accomplished entrepreneur, executive coach, and mentor with a mission to support women to live authentically and to be their best. Her deep expertise in leadership, organizational development, and business strategy has equipped her to coach executives and leaders through the most challenging transitions. As founder of C. Gray & Associates, she teaches Fortune 100 corporations, federal agencies, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs that leadership integrity is the foundation of stellar business performance. She is the author of the personal development book In Support of Myself: A Woman’s Guide to Asking for and Accepting Help from Others. Cheryl is on the WGC’s Membership & Development Committee.

After four years of leadership, Barb Van Winkle’s term is ending as WGC’s Advisory Board Chair, and she will become WGC’s Immediate Past Chair and continue as part of WGC’s leadership team. We are excited to welcome Jennifer Bodensiek as the incoming WGC Advisory Board Chair, and Candace Dodson-Reed as the incoming Vice Chair. 

“Jennifer and Candace have deep community knowledge and a passion for philanthropy” said Barb. “We are fortunate to have them by our side as we work to shape the future for women and girls in Howard County through the power of collective giving”.

The WGC is honoring Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund and we invite gifts in honor of WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her/their honor. "I am deeply honored to have served the WGC for so many years, and so grateful to all of the leaders who have helped WGC grow to what we are today, 20 years later" said Barb. "I am so very humbled and grateful to everyone who has given to this fund to date and thank you all for your consideration!"

We are very grateful to Kim Agnor and Alice Giles whose terms are ending on the WGC Advisory Board after years of dedicated leadership and service.

The full 2023 slate of WGC Executive Committee and Advisory Board members are:

2023 WGC Advisory Board

Executive Committee:

Officers:
  • Jennifer Bodensiek, Chair
  • Candace Dodson-Reed, Vice Chair and Grants Committee Co-Chair 
  • Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past Chair
  • Lynne Schaefer, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
  • Lee Draminski, Secretary
 
  • Judy Smith, WGC Strategist
  • April Force Pardoe, Governance Committee Chair
  • Alison Canning, Grants Committee Co-Chair
  • Melissa Curtin, Membership & Development Committee Chair
  • ​Mary Thompson, Events Committee Chair
  • Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Executive Director *Ex Officio

Advisory Board:

  • Adora Brown
  • Laura Bacon
  • Maxine Clark 
  • Cheryl Gray Hines
  • Kashonna Marrow, Membership & Development Committee Vice Chair
  • Jade McDuffie McClary, Events Committee Vice Chair
  • Barbara Peart 
  • Nette’ Stokes 
  • Beverly White-Seals, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Howard County Liaison *Ex-Officio

Dee Athey - CFHoCo Director of Grants and Community Engagement - Staff Liaison 

The Women’s Giving Circle is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. We bring women together to learn about issues impacting women and girls in our community, and pool our dollars to fund programs that address those issues so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone. www.womensgivingcircle.org

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WGC Emergency Response Network Request - $1,000 for CCC on Giving Tuesday - Can You Help?

11/29/2022

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The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is inviting you to join with us to raise $1,000+ to support Columbia Community Care this Giving Tuesday, through our Emergency Response Network (ERN).

Columbia Community Care is providing gift cards to give to women and families this holiday season. We are hoping to raise at least $1,000 to give Columbia Community Care 40, $25 gift cards for the holidays.

“When women support one another with true compassion in the spirit of community care and mutual aid through the WGC's Emergency Response Network, anything and everything is possible" ​said Erika Strauss Chavarria, CCC Founder.

On behalf of our partners at Columbia Community Care, this Giving Tuesday we invite you to join with us in raising at least $1,000 to support women and families in our community during the holidays. Any amount is valued and appreciated!

Thank you!

Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair
Candace Dodson-Reed and Alison Canning, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director
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WGC Supports Women of Color Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday

11/26/2022

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The WGC was out in full force supporting Women of Color entrepreneurs and our partners at The 3rd on Small Business Saturday! And, it was great to see so many women donating products in WGC's Feminine Hygiene Product Drive bin at The 3rd - thank you!

The 3rd's mission is to build a space that fosters dreams, creates community, and provides mentorship, which enables Women of Color to turn their ideas into economic power and freedom.

Take a visit this holiday season - there are so many beautiful, unique and tasty options!

#community
#partnership #givingcircles #collectivegiving #collectiveimpact
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WGC's Emergency Response Network - $1,000 - Can You Help?

11/21/2022

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The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is requesting help to raise $1,000+ to support the Community Action Council (CAC) this Thanksgiving, through our Emergency Response Network (ERN).

For many in our community, the holidays can be extra challenging and present families with additional financial stress. In fact, EVERY SINGLE DAY in Howard County 1 in 4 families struggle to make ends meet. 
 
Our partners at the Community Action Council are providing full holiday meal kits to families in our community. The CAC's mission is to diminish poverty, enable self-sufficiency and advocate for low-income families and individuals, and they continue to see an increase in demand for services at the Howard County Food Bank. 

Every $50 helps to provide dinner for a family of four. Our goal is to raise at least $1,000 together to provide 20 or more meals to our neighbors in Howard County this Thanksgiving.

Can you help? 
Any amount is valued and appreciated.

We also encourage you to consider engaging your family in a volunteer effort to support CAC this 2022 Season of Hope - they have made it meaningful and easy! Here is CAC's Guide to Giving this holiday season, which provides numerous opportunities for you and your family to make a difference.
Thank you - we are grateful for all of you!

Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair
Candace Dodson-Reed & Alison Canning, WGC Grants Committee Co-Chairs
Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director
www.womensgivingcircle.org
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WGC Sunset Happy Hour at Freetown Farm, CEI

11/16/2022

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We had a fantastic time tonight at WGC’s Sunset Happy Hour at The Community Ecology Institute/Freetown Farm talking about building community and women supporting women! As WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz said, it was a true testament to the power of women supporting women to have so many women join us around the bonfire on such a chilly but beautiful night!

Our thanks to CEI/Freetown Farm Founder Chiara D'Amore and her team for hosting us. We are proud to support their efforts and partner to build community for the future.

You can find information about future WGC events on our website here.

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In Her Honor ... The WGC's Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund

11/11/2022

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Barb Van Winkle is a long-time supporter of the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, and has been the WGC Chair for the last 5 years. She is one of the WGC's largest donors and has been a vocal cheerleader for the WGC since its inception 20 years ago!

During this season of gratitude, it's only fitting that after 20 years of support for the WGC, as she ends her tenure as WGC's Advisory Board chair in December 2022, we honor Barb for all that she has done and will continue to do for the WGC with the Barb Van Winkle Leadership Fund!

Our goal is to raise at least $20,000 in honor of Barb's 20 years of leadership and support for the WGC, and in honor of ALL WGC leaders the last 20 years - who have helped the WGC grow to having over 1,600 donors, a $1.3M endowment, and over $1M in grants!

All funds raised will go toward WGC's grantmaking and core support as we look to the next 20 years, with a focus on WGC's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts - Barb's legacy. As she always says: "Women’s philanthropy shapes the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​." 

Please join us to celebrate Barb and WGC women's philanthropic leadership the last 20 years with a gift in her honor! She will be informed of every gift, and will see every note that accompanies each donation. 

PLEASE DONATE HERE


Thank you for helping us honor this incredible philanthropic leader!

Jennifer Bodensiek and Candace Dodson-Reed, WGC 20th Anniversary Co-Chairs
​Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director​
​The WGC 2022 Advisory Board​

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WGC Becomes #SobarCertified

10/28/2022

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We are proud to be among the first organizations in Howard County to become #SobarCertified.

What does this mean?

It means we are committed to providing more equitable drink options to our donors, partners and community at WGC events by partnering with Sobar.

Sobar's mission is to encourage choice in how we celebrate by providing a variety of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages to consumers and hosting alcohol-free bars and events.

We look forward to providing delicious, healthy, and exciting drink options in partnership with Sobar for the future. Learn more about Sobar here.
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WGC "Big Give" Members Grant $20,000 to Howard County Nonprofit Partners!

10/26/2022

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Wow, we had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Give 2022! 

​What is the Big Give?

It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a four-month, hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. Big Give participants used words such as "inspired, humbled, grateful, excited, proud, hopeful, honored, and thankful" regarding their experience.

"As we celebrate our 20th Anniversary year, we are proud and honored to engage WGC donors through The Big Give!" said Barb Van Winkle, WGC Chair. "This opportunity to give collectively is another way WGC is meeting our mission of 
building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County."

This year's inaugural Big Give had 27 women participating - individually or as part of a team - who learned, shared, and together, collectively gave $20,000 to 3 WGC nonprofit partners - Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center, HopeWorks, and the HCC Educational Foundation.

  • Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center - $10,000
“Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center is honored to be a recipient of the Women’s Giving Circle’s first BIG GIVE funding.  This generosity from a long-time supporting organization will be used to purchase beds for women in our community who have been homeless and in crisis but are now successfully moving from the Grassroots shelter into a place of their own" said Dr. Mariana Izraelson, Executive Director of Grassroots. You can support Grassroots here.​

  • HopeWorks of Howard County - $6,000
"HopeWorks appreciates the continuing support of the Women's Giving Circle. The support given to victims of domestic and sexual violence helps them overcome barriers to independent living and secure housing for themselves and their families.  The timely support given by WGC to our clients can be very hard to find from other sources.  It is a wonderful resource that we rely on time and time again" said Ngozi Obineme, Executive Director of HopeWorks of Howard County. You can support HopeWorks here.

  • HCC Educational Foundation - $4,000
"Since 2002, the Women’s Giving Circle has been a lifeline to women in need at Howard Community College. We are grateful for the opportunity to present at The BIG GIVE event this evening and share how some of the simple things we take for granted in life can keep a student parent at HCC from completing their education and halting their journey along a career path that will provide them with a more stable income for their family. The funding from the BIG GIVE will help our Career Links students during a time of crisis, providing them with emergency funding so they can stay in school. -Missy Mattey, Executive Director, Howard Community College Educational Foundation, Inc." said Missy Mattey, Director of Development/Executive Director, of the HCC Educational Foundation. You can support HCC Educational Foundation here.

"We are excited about the response to our inaugural WGC Big Give!" said Melissa Curtin, WGC Membership and Development Committee Chair. "It's a new and exciting way for women to invest their philanthropic dollars so that they have a bigger impact together than they might otherwise have alone."

Here's how the Big Give worked:
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  • BIG KICK: Philanthropy Overview - July 2022
WGC Big Give members gathered for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to meet one another and learn about the community foundation, WGC, and the broader philanthropic landscape. 
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  • BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future - August 2022
WGC Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. 

  • BIG THINK: Giving Discussion - September 2022
WGC Big Give members engaged in the final discussion, asked questions, and voted for the final three nonprofit partners who made a final presentation in October at The Big Give. Each of the three nonprofits received a grant award, the amount of which was decided at the October 26 Big Give.

  • BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event - October 2022
WGC Big Give members gathered to hear from the final three nonprofits about their proposed programs and voted on the grant award amounts. These women gave away $20,000 to three important nonprofit partners in our community - Grassroots Crisis Intervention, HopeWorks, and the HCC Educational Foundation at the end of this four-month journey of learning, sharing, and grantmaking. Then ... we celebrated, together!

"Being part of the Big Give was a truly humbling experience" said Jessica Terrazas-Moreno. "It was bittersweet to learn that so many amazing organizations in Howard County need extra funds, but they never stop fighting the good fight to help our neighbors."

Let us know if you’re interested in the WGC's Big Give 2023 - we already have women signing up! 

"We firmly believe that women’s philanthropy is shaping the future for women and girls through the power of collective giving​" said Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, WGC Executive Director. "WGC's The Big Give is empowering women to support other women in our community now, and in the future."

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WGC Supports the Launch of Our Partners at The 3rd

10/25/2022

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Wow, what a morning at our partner The 3rd! Run, don’t walk to this amazing, community building, gathering place!

The food, the atmosphere, the products made by women of color - all are unique, tasty, and beautiful. How lucky we are to have this gem in our community! Congratulations
Laura Bacon + team ! ​
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WGC Partners with UWCM on the United Way Family Center

10/4/2022

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We are honored to partner with United Way of Central Maryland and so many others on the United Way Family Center - providing affordable, accessible childcare for those who live or work in Howard County.

United Way has a proven track record of helping families and their children succeed. We were honored to be with UWCM, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, Howard County officials, local executives and other partners as they opened the organization’s third Family Center in central Maryland, located at 7115 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia, Maryland. The Columbia Family Center will provide quality, accessible childcare and early childhood education to parents in Howard County.

Learn more here



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WGC Hosts The Big Think!

9/29/2022

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We had a great night tonight at the WGC's Big Think, part of the WGC Big Give Membership!

​What is the Big Give?

It's for those WGC members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a hands-on learning and grantmaking experience. This year's inaugural Big Give has 27 women participating who are learning, sharing, and collectively giving $20,000 together to 3 WGC nonprofit partners.

At the Big Think tonight, Big Give members read through and discussed 13 proposals, and then made the decision together to invite 3 nonprofits to join them next month for the Big Give, and to learn how much funding they will receive based on their proposals.

Here's how it works:

2022 WGC Big Give Membership Structure and Timeline:
​
BIG KICK: Philanthropy Overview 
Thursday, July 28, 2022, Community Foundation of Howard County
WGC Big Give members gathered for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to meet one another and learn about the community foundation, WGC, and the broader philanthropic landscape. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served.

BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future
Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom
WGC Big Give members participated virtually in an overview of WGC’s history, grantmaking, the Status of Women and Girls in Howard County, and our grantmaking parameters, followed by review and discussion about the pre-vetted nonprofit partners who provide programs that support women and girls in Howard County. Post-reading materials were sent to prepare for the Big Think.

BIG THINK: Giving Discussion 
Thursday, September 29, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County
WGC Big Give members engaged in the final discussion, asked questions, and voted for the final three nonprofit partners who will make a final presentation in October at The Big Give. Each of the three nonprofits will receive a grant award. Pre-reading materials were sent in advance and refreshments were served.

BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event
Wednesday, October 26, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County
WGC Big Give members will gather with all Big Give Members to hear from the three nonprofits about their proposed programs and vote on the grant award amounts. Then ... we'll celebrate!

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3 Questions With ... Eleanor JoAnne Sellers in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/31

8/31/2022

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WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Eleanor JoAnne Sellers: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
It is my faith that drives me. I grew up in a family that instilled strong Christian values. My parents taught me that in order to experience true joy be of service to someone else. It is the Lord Christ you are serving, even through earthly tasks.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
I really began focusing on giving to issues that were important to me while I was in college as we supported underserved families with food gift baskets for Thanksgiving. As a retired educator, I am most passionate about community service activities that advance educational opportunities. I have expanded my volunteer service activities as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. It has also been rewarding to help raise funds to support students at Howard Community College while serving on the Silas Craft Collegians Scholarship Endowment & Program Fund Committee. I am also active with community service outreach events at my church. I will continue to volunteer and give my resources to causes that support education.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
Find a volunteer role that makes you feel fulfilled and happy. It can be a fantastic way to relax, prioritize someone else’s needs and alleviate day- to -day   pressures of work, school, or family. Have fun! Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” 

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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3 Questions With ... Dianne Polson Oliver in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/30

8/30/2022

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WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Dianne Polson Oliver: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
At an early age, my parents lit the flame of giving in me.  They led by example, always doing for others whenever the need arose.  They encouraged my participation in Girls Scouts of America where my involvement in community service was started as well as promoted.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
Since giving is in my DNA, as a very young girl I started giving through and to my church, which I still do.  Continuing on the “giving track” after graduating from Morgan State University, I started “giving back” to my undergraduate alma mater financially, as well as my time and talent to the alumni association on the local and national levels.  After obtaining my Master’s degree from Bowie State University, I started “giving back” financially to Bowie.  For several years I had the opportunity to use my time and talent volunteering as a Reading Tutor for 2nd graders who were at risk of having a reading deficiency.  To see the students progress in their reading during the school year was such a rewarding experience, not only for the students but for me as well!  I also volunteered my time and talent for several years to help produce a local cable TV program called “Spotlight on Seniors,” first as a Production Assistant and later as Host of the show for a couple of years after the original Host and Co-Host passed away. The show ended its existence in 2017, but for many years it provided educational information to senior citizens on a variety of topics.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
Find something that you are passionate about and go for it.  Quite often time and talent are more important than money.  One of the greatest rewards is making a difference in someone’s life. 

Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
  • Community activities through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.- Iota Lambda Omega Chapter
  • Howard County Chapter, Morgan State University Alumni Association
  • Spotlight on Seniors (Howard County Cable TV)  

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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3 Questions With ... Jonelle Ocloo in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/29

8/29/2022

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WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Jonelle Ocloo: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
I am moved by the verse in Scripture that says: "to whom much has been given, much will be required." I have been blessed with so much in my life including a loving family that valued education and believed that a woman could do anything.  I understand that I am where I am and can do what I can because of the people who sowed into my life. Therefore, I am motivated to do what I can to make a positive impact in other's lives -- whether it's through my time, talent, or financial resources. I immigrated to the United States as a child.  It is an honor to be able to help other people on their immigrant journeys and to help them to achieve their American dream.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
I have been giving since childhood. I remember putting in money that my mother gave me in the offering plate at church. But it felt better to contribute my own money that I earned. As far back as high school, my friends and I enjoyed participating in telethons at our local public television station. I got a free ride to college. So as soon as I graduated and got my first job, it was important to me to contribute the the alumni association's scholarship fund since I was a scholarship recipient.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
It is never too little or too late to give back. Any amount (no matter how little) is a lot when it's done with a generous heart.  (Remember the story of the widow's mite.) Also, your gifts and efforts combine with those of other people to make a large impact.  So your gift is never too small. Also, if you are not already giving back, it is not too late to start now. Better late than never.

Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
  • ​Luminus Network for New Americans; Association of Ghanaian Lawyers of America (AGLA) DMV Chapter

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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3 Questions With ... Chaye C. Suber in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/28

8/28/2022

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WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Chaye C. Suber: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
My mother instilled in my family to give back and help those who are less fortunate. My mother was a single parent, experiencing her struggles and obstacles made me realize there are probably others who are in the same boat. Ever since I was a child, I have been giving back volunteering wanting to make the same impact I experienced.  Some people have mental health issues because of their struggles why not share my knowledge and skills to help those.

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
In middle school, I volunteered on Thanksgiving at a homeless shelter. I served food and spoke to the mothers and families to let them know that this is a small setback for a bigger comeback. Also, I worked with organizations with voter registration and made the residents aware that even if they have a felony, they were able to still vote. They didn’t know that information. Brought a smile to my face. Having that dialogue and providing them with the resources so they can register to vote and other issues.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
You never know how you can make an impact on a person whether it's by your actions or words of advice. Find a social issue you care about, always research the organizations you want to be a part of and verify they have the same interest and mission as you. Or find other people with the same interests. There are many ways to help a cause, by either donating or volunteering your time. Giving back should be a good feeling and not feel like it's work.

Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
  • The Junior League
  • NCNW National Council of Negro Women
  • National Organization for Women

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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3 Questions With ... Antonia Watts in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month - WGC's Our Giving, Our Stories - 8/27

8/27/2022

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WGC's 2022 "Our Giving, Our Stories" Series in Celebration of Black Philanthropy Month

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to continue our support for Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August! The primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-descent giving in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives.

​One way WGC is doing this is through WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" daily profile Series each August. Each day this month we are sharing daily profiles of incredible women in our community who are giving in so many ways - in celebration of Black Philanthropy Month. 

​Today, we elevate the voice and story of philanthropist Antonia Watts: 

What moves you to give your time, talent and financial resources?
I believe in the power of change through service.  

When did you start giving to issues that are important to you?
I started volunteering in college when I realized the impact that my time could have on an important issue.

What advice do you have for those interested in giving back?
Start local and start small. Local issues have the greatest impact on our day to day life. Start by writing emails to local representatives about issues impacting your community. Start by donating small amounts to those who care about issues that matter to you most.

Where do you focus your time, talent, and treasure?
  • Howard County Public Library​

​Learn more about the WGC's "Our Giving, Our Stories!" Series celebrating Black Philanthropy Month every day in August 2022.

#givingcircles #collectivegiving #WGCBPM2022 #BPM2022

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