Women’s Giving Circle

The Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. The WGC is one of the largest and most active funds at the Community Foundation of Howard County.

OUR MISSION
The Women’s Giving Circle is building a community of philanthropists and creating a permanent legacy to address the needs of women and girls in Howard County. We are proud to be a fund of the Community Foundation of Howard County, MD.

OUR FOCUS
We bring women together to learn about issues impacting women and girls in our community, and pool our dollars to fund programs that address those issues so we can have a greater impact together than we might otherwise have alone.

OUR REASON
We fund programs that benefit women and girls because nonprofits and programs that focus on women and girls are traditionally underfunded.

OUR IMPACT
We have been part of the Howard County community for 20+ years, have given $1M+ to our nonprofit partners through 250+ grants. We have a $1.3M endowment from 1,600+ donors that will ensure that there are funds to support women and girls in our community in perpetuity. In 2022 we gave $200k to our nonprofit partners in honor of WGC’s 20th Anniversary, and we plan to give $150,00 in 2023.

The circle collectively pools its dollars to have a greater impact together than it might otherwise have individually.  A portion of all donated funds have become part of an endowment to ensure perpetuity and the balance will be immediately invested in initiatives to improve the lives, health, the future and the personal authority of women and girls.

WGC donors strongly believe there is a place for all women, from all incomes and at all stages of life to be philanthropists and make a difference in Howard County. The circle hosts events and programs to engage donors and raise money to support its grantmaking.

A remarkable aspect of WGC is its ability to raise funds quickly through its Emergency Response Network (ERN). Created 19 years ago to provide direct help to other women in need, the ERN is famous for raising thousands of dollars for a specific cause within moments of the call to action going out.

"Women’s philanthropy shapes the future of women and girls through the power of collective giving."
Jennifer Bodensiek
WGC Chair

For more information on the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, please contact:

Jennifer Bodensiek, Chair of WGC
wgcchair@wgchowardcounty.org

Buffy Beaudoin-Schwartz, Executive Director
wgcexecutivedirector@wgchowardcounty.org

WANT TO HELP SUPPORT WOMEN AND GIRLS IN HOWARD COUNTY?

Click here to make a donation today!

Get updates on issues that matter to you.

Subscribe to Community Foundation of Howard County News.