According to WTAP, the Marietta Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle marked 10 years at a fall meeting on Oct. 13 and distributed $16,000 among three Washington County nonprofits.
WTAP reported that the grants went to Special Olympics of Washington County for $8,000, the Community Hospice Foundation for $5,000 toward a hospice house project led by Dr. Kelly Colley, and Harvest of Hope of Washington County for $3,000 for food security work.
According to WTAP, Heather Allender, the foundation’s president and CEO, said membership has expanded from five founding members to over 50, and 41 people attended the fall meeting. The group meets twice yearly for fundraiser nights, using a membership model in which part of the fee pays for that meeting’s grants and part supports future sustainability, according to the report.
WTAP reported that members nominate nonprofits and set grant amounts. Allender said 10 groups were nominated for the fall meeting and three were chosen by a random wheel picker to present. Although the presenters compete for first through third place, each leaves with funding, she said.
The circle focuses on women and children broadly, rather than only women and girls, according to WTAP. The foundation handles meeting coordination, financials and nominations, while members make decisions. The idea began after female board members visited a Fairfield County giving circle. WTAP reported that women can find joining information on the foundation’s website or by calling its office, and nonprofits serving women and children should contact the foundation.