WGC Grants
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The WGC is a fund that gives grants … it’s what we do!
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The Women's Giving Circle Advisory Board is made up of a diverse group of women from all sectors who live, work and/or volunteer in Howard County and are working to promote philanthropy among women in order to give grants to programs that focus on women and girls.
We are proud that 100% of our 2025 Advisory Board not only give time and talent, but also give financial support to further the WGC's mission. The WGC Advisory Board is committed to transparency in every aspect of our organization and our funding. "We are proud to support our nonprofit partners on the ground focusing on women, girls, and families in our community."
- Candace Dodson-Reed, 2025 WGC Grants Committee Chair |
The Women's Giving Circle of Howard County's grant focus is on programs that benefit women and girls, and we specifically focus on those that increase the life skills of women and girls, encourage the healthy development and personal authority of young girls, and raise the awareness of gender disparities in our community - all with an overlay focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
We have developed a standard framework for our 23+ years and $1.2M+ grantmaking using the vetted, researched gender lens categories identified by the Maryland Commission for Women in their April 2021 Maryland Women: A Status Report. Our grantmaking for 23+ years generally falls within each of these six categories:
This look at our past grantmaking is assisting in informing our future grantmaking opportunities, and helps us tell the story of how our efforts have a local, statewide, countrywide and global impact.
- WGC does not invite grant proposals. Instead, WGC has a Grants Committee that provides a proposed slate of grants each year that is voted on by the WGC Advisory Board after identifying projects and programs we want to invest in for maximum impact.
- Education-based philanthropy. WGC's grants are based on due diligence, education, and data. Education and Trust-based philanthropy is the cornerstone of the WGC’s grantmaking. We sponsor and co-sponsors programs, events and activities that advance understanding of the issues affecting women and girls in Howard County.
- WGC works in partnership. WGC views nonprofit grantees as partners in supporting programs that benefit women and girls. And, we intentionally work to support and promote the good work of our nonprofit grantee partners to the broader community.
We have developed a standard framework for our 23+ years and $1.2M+ grantmaking using the vetted, researched gender lens categories identified by the Maryland Commission for Women in their April 2021 Maryland Women: A Status Report. Our grantmaking for 23+ years generally falls within each of these six categories:
- Demographics and Diversity
- Work and the Economy
- Education and Educators
- Health and Wellbeing
- Safety and Justice
- Leadership and Political Participation
This look at our past grantmaking is assisting in informing our future grantmaking opportunities, and helps us tell the story of how our efforts have a local, statewide, countrywide and global impact.
The Women's Giving Circle considers providing grants to organizations:
- Determined as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other entities that meet IRS charitable guidelines.
- Delivering services in Howard County to support Howard County women and girls in the areas of human services, arts &culture, education, environment or community affairs.
- Providing programs and services to the intended beneficiaries without discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, pregnancy, ancestry, age or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, county or local laws, regulations or ordinances.
- That do not discriminate against a participant on the basis of religion or religious belief, a refusal to hold a religious belief, or a refusal to actively participate in a religious practice. Any specifically religious activity or service made available to participants by the organization must be voluntary.
We have also identified how our 22+ years of grantmaking falls within the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.
While one could make an argument that perhaps our grantmaking for 20 years might appropriately fall within each of the 17 SDGs, here are 7 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals that our grantmaking generally falls within:
While one could make an argument that perhaps our grantmaking for 20 years might appropriately fall within each of the 17 SDGs, here are 7 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals that our grantmaking generally falls within:
- #1 - No Poverty
- #2 - Zero Hunger
- #3 - Good Health and Well-Being
- #4 - Quality Education
- #5 - Gender Equality
- #8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
- #10 - Reduced Inequalities
PHOTOS
Grant Highlights
Since we formed in 2002, the WGC has granted over $1,200,000 to our nonprofit partners in Howard County.
