Collective giving thrives on the power of community-based organizations—our nonprofit partners, who are closest to those in need and play a vital role in our society. Yet, in the last week, the nonprofit community has been rocked by confusion and concern following executive orders from the current administration, with further policy changes looming that could impact the entire social sector and our most vulnerable communities.

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is monitoring these recent actions - as a fund that is building a community of philanthropists to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County, we are committed to engaging in conversations and partnerships that leverage our voices and collective power to support our community.

Here are three ways you can make a difference during these challenging times to support the nonprofit community:

• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest policy developments and understand their impact on the nonprofit sector. Knowledge empowers us to act wisely and effectively. The National Council of Nonprofits has a continuously updated chart tracking Executive Orders that impact nonprofits and their current legal status.

 

• Support with Unrestricted Funds: Consider providing flexible funding that nonprofits can use where they are needed most, especially those who will experience funding gaps due to the changes, allowing them to respond swiftly to emerging challenges.

 

• Advocate with Community Partners: Stand in solidarity with local organizations and community advocates to defend and promote policies that strengthen our social safety net.

Now is the moment to unite our efforts and harness the strength of our community. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure that our nonprofit partners have the support they need.

Join us.

* Adapted from our partners at Philanthropy Together

One of WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive interns picked up a car full of products today from our partners at the Howard County Library System and dropped them off to our partners at Howard County Public School System.

We are honored to work in partnership with so many to support women and girls in our community. 

Learn more about WGC's "Break the Cycle" Period Product Drive here.

As we begin the new year, we are proud that the WGC continues to play a role in leading the national women’s collective giving movement and the growth of the philanthropic sector overall.

WGC Executive Director, Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, and our Immediate Past Chair, Barb Van Winkle currently serve on the Board of Philanos, the national women’s collective giving organization. Philanos’ mission is to support and strengthen women's collective giving organizations through education and collaboration designed to promote women's philanthropy and informed, impactful grant making in communities. Barb serves on the Executive Committee as the Treasurer and Buffy is the co-Chair of the Communications Committee. Philanos hosts monthly webinars and regular Affinity Group virtual meetings that all WGC donors are invited to attend! Learn more here.

In October 2024, WGC leaders worked on a national level to bring attention and resources to underserved communities through collective giving by participating in multiple convenings and educational experiences  with the Philanos Board of Directors in Mississippi and Alabama. This trip provided an unprecedented opportunity for the Philanos Board, and for Barb and Buffy to learn about the history and current conditions in the South, and how we can help elevate community-centric giving in the region, and they are brought this learning and knowledge to the WGC to inform our ongoing work.

​"We were proud to be among those working nationally to bring additional attention and resources to underserved communities" said Barb Van Winkle, Immediate Past WGC Chair. "We will continue to support this important work and bring what we learn to the Women's Giving Circle."

The WGC was honored to co-host the 2023 Philanos PowerUP! Baltimore National Conference, which brought together hundreds of leaders in the women's collective giving movement to learn, share, network, and connect together. Numerous WGC leaders played a role in the success of this conference, including serving as panelists and facilitators for the gathering. And, WGC's Malynda Madzel was awarded the prestigious national Willoughby Award at the conference for her efforts to change the status quo for philanthropy in our community. WGC will play a role in coordinating the upcoming 2026 Philanos PowerUP! Texas National Conference - mark your calendars!

Buffy also serves on the national Steering Committee for this year’s Philanthropy Together We Give Summit May 13-15, 2025. Philanthropy Together is a global initiative, co-created by hundreds of collective giving leaders, to scale and strengthen the growing movement. They are on a mission to diversify and democratize philanthropy. Buffy, Barb, and other WGC leaders have served on We Give Summit panels in the past, sharing about WGC's efforts, and learning from others.

Buffy currently serves on the September 2025 Maryland Philanthropy Network Annual Member Gathering planning committee. MPN's mission is to build and activate a diverse, informed, and effective network of philanthropists to inspire transformational impact throughout Maryland.

"We are honored to be learning, sharing, and connecting with other women's collective giving leaders across the country who are rolling up their sleeves and doing this important work" said WGC Executive Director Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz. "We are proud to be a part of Philanos, Philanthropy Together, and the Maryland Philanthropy Network and participating in important efforts while representing the WGC and we will continue to help do this work nationally, regionally, and here in our community."

We are proud that WGC leaders are playing a role in leading the growth of the national women's collective giving movement and the national and regional philanthropic sector overall, which ultimately supports and uplifts all we are collectively doing here in Howard County.

What a night celebrating philanthropy with the Community Foundation of Howard County! The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County was in the house as two of our visionary longtime leaders were honored. Congratulations Jean F. Moon and Alison Canning for all you do for our community, for all you’ve done to grow philanthropy, and in particular, for all you have done and continue to do for The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County! ​

The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County is proud to amplify the voices and stories of women givers in our community through our regular series "Our Giving, Our Stories".

Inspiring philanthropic leadership and increasing giving by amplifying the voices of women and girls are among the goals of this effort and we are committed to advancing this important work in our community.​

This month we are profiling Mona Lawrence in Honor of National Veterans and Military Families Month.

​Read Mona's full profile here

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

"I believe that each day that I am fortunate enough to wake up, I must make it a Good Day!  Every day is a new opportunity to do something different or to keep a great thing going. Generosity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, start with kindness and a smile!​"

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.