WGC BIG GIVE MEMBER: gifts of $1,200 
Big Give 2022 Registration is Closed! Stay Tuned for Big Give 2023 Registration Information

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Big Give Membership for those members who want to learn more about grantmaking to women and girls through a hands-on learning and grantmaking experience.

2022 WGC Big Give Membership Overview:

• The Big Give Membership launched in March 2022.
• Our goal is to have at least 20 women giving through the inaugural Big Give Membership.
• The Big Give is designed for women who want to learn more about and be directly involved in grantmaking to women and girls in our community.
• Big Give Members will each contribute $1,200. (1 vote)
• And, teams of up to 4 women can be formed who collectively give $1,200 as a team. (1 vote per team)
• $1,000 of each Big Give Membership gift will be allocated to the grant pool and $200 will be allocated to our core support efforts.
• WGC will accept 2022 Big Give Membership gifts through May 31, 2022.
• This opportunity is open to women 18 years and older who are interested in and able to participate in a four-month giving and grantmaking experience.
• If 20 women/teams do participate in the inaugural 2022 Big Give, we will provide at least $20,000 in grant funding to be distributed among multiple local nonprofits supporting women and girls in Howard County. The amount of grants given will ultimately be determined by the number of women participating, so we may well exceed our $20,000 goal knowing the generosity of our community. 

2022 WGC Big Give Members Will: 

• Meet in July, August, September, and October 2022 to learn about the philanthropic landscape in Howard County, grantmaking, and our WGC nonprofit partners and programs.
• Be provided with a slate of current, vetted WGC nonprofit partners with a demonstrated focus on women, girls, and their families in Howard County, to learn about and discuss together.
• By vote, develop a final list of potential grantees to be considered for final grant awards. 
• Gather for the final vote for grantee awards and celebrate women’s collective giving.

2022 WGC Big Give Membership Sign-Up:

• You can sign-up and give your individual $1,200 payment here to become a  WGC Big Give Member and participate in the four-month experience.
• Once we receive your $1,200, we will email you to compile an online participant form.
• We will then be in touch with further information about getting started!
• If you are interested in hosting a team of up to four women who will have one vote, please contact us here.
• If you are interested in participating and need some support, please contact us here. 
• If you have any questions, contact us here.
• Sign-up for the 2022 WGC Big Give Membership will remain open through May 31, 2022.

2022 WGC Big Give Membership Structure and Timeline:
​
BIG KICK: Philanthropy and Grantmaking Overview 
​Thursday, ​July ​28, 2022, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Community Foundation of Howard County

• In-Person: Gather for two hours at the Community Foundation of Howard County to learn about the community foundation, WGC, the Howard County nonprofit sector, and grantmaking. Pre-reading materials will be sent in advance and refreshments will be served.

BIG LEARN: WGC’s Grantmaking History and Future 
Wednesday, ​August​ 24,​ 2022​, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom

• Virtual: Participate 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: Final Discussion 
Thursday, ​September ​29, ​2022​, 6:00 - 8:00 pm via Zoom​

• Virtual: Engage in the final discussion, ask questions, determine grant award amounts, and vote for the three nonprofit partners who will make a final presentation in October. Each of the three nonprofits will receive a grant award.

​BIG GIVE: Big Voting/Giving Event
Wednesday, ​October​ 26,​ 2022​, 6:00 - 8:00 pm,  In-Person​, Location TBD

• In-Person: Gather with all Big Give​ Members to hear from the three nonprofits about their proposed programs and vote on the grant awards. Then … celebrate! ​

Read the 2022 WGC BIG GIVE General Process and Grantmaking Guidelines 

​* We want to support participation in this process. If a team may need some assistance to participate, please contact us.

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