Charity Giving With a Group through Giving Circles

In the last few years, there has been a growing cadre of charitable giving circles that gather people interested in philanthropy and enable them to pool their money and time so that they can have a bigger impact than they would by donating individually. Some experts estimate that there are some 390 giving circles, but others believe that there are far more.

What is know about these giving circles is that most have formed since 2000, they are located in every state, they are nonsectarian and focused on community activities, and most often they are made up exclusively of women.

Women do so much to make communities possible. They embody the delicate balance of strength and compassion, fight for their beliefs, and collaborate with others to accomplish tasks. They invest their dollars, their time, and their best ideas in solutions to issues that a community cares about the most.

So, appropriately the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way in partnership with the Women's Fund, honors the vital role that women play in our community and is dedicated to increasing significantly the opportunities for women to participate fully as philanthropists.

Women's Fund Grants

Each year the Research Committee will accept suggestions from members and the communities in considering potential projects to fund.

The committee considers only projects with competent leadership and a workable plan. The focus of the projects must benefit women, children, and families. Members decide all granting decisions by a simple majority vote.

The Women's Fund membership will recognize the recipients at an annual presentation. Click here to learn more about becoming a voting member.

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