Frequently Asked Questions

Why do members find the WGC valuable?

Members realize several key benefits by joining the WGC: friendship with "like-minded" women; better connection and understanding of the needs of the Lee and Collier County communities; the opportunity to make a substantial impact by pooling contributions with no fundraising pressure; and an organizational structure where all members have equal status.

Who can become a member?

Membership is open to any woman who contributes $1,100 annually to the Women's Giving Circle of SWFL. To become a member, complete the Member Information Form.

How does the Women's Giving Circle of SWFL work?

Each member contributes a set amount annually. These funds are then pooled to maximize the amounts of grants to local nonprofits. The grant process typically focuses on a different theme each year and includes proposal submissions, site visits, and member voting to select the recipients.

What is the member's yearly contribution and how is it processed?

Each member's annual contribution is $1,100, of which $1,000 goes directly to community grants awarded to the selected nonprofit agencies. In addition, $100 is used for operational and educational expenses. Over 93% of funds collected are applied to grants and programs for local nonprofit agencies.

Membership is paid every November by credit card, through a Donor Advised Fund, or by check to The Collier Community Foundation, our umbrella fiscal organization.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Yes, contributions are fully tax-deductible as the WGC operates as a charitable entity under IRS guidelines.

What are a member's opportunities or obligations?

There is no obligation other than the yearly contribution. Members can be as engaged as they wish to be—ranging from simply contributing funds—to actively participating in committee or leadership roles.

We encourage members to attend two full membership meetings (Fall and Spring), and to join one of our committees.

How do our members learn about SWFL's community needs?

A key part of our mission is to learn about our continually evolving community needs. Accordingly, we have Outreach and Programs committees that invite WGC grantees or other nonprofit organizations to our Membership Meetings. We also arrange periodic field trips to nonprofits of interest and visit several agencies to assess their ability to qualify for a WGC grant.

Volunteer opportunities and events such as holiday gift wrapping for a youth home, clothing collections for Dress for Success, and food pantry donations, are available.

Grants

How are Grants awarded?

We make grants to nonprofit programs impacting women, children, and their families in Lee and Collier counties in SWFL. Every year the Board identifies a theme for the upcoming grant year. The Grant Research Committee conducts site visits to potential nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that meet the yearly grant theme i.e., food insecurity, children’s programs, assistance to senior adults, etc.

We approach prospective organizations based on our assessment of their commitment and qualifications to deliver quality services. The WGC does not accept uninvited solicitations.

The Grant Evaluation Committee reviews proposals and recommends grantees and grant amounts to the full membership, which votes in the Spring. Selected grantees receive their grants in May and have a year in which to use the funds as approved. A Grant Monitoring Committee member follows up by providing any needed support for the grantee during their grant year.

Grant amounts typically vary between $20,000 and $25,000 depending upon the number of members in the WGC.

Since 2013, we have granted nearly $820,000 to nonprofits serving women and their families in Southwest Florida!

Structure

How is the WGC governed?

The WGC Board, along with our all-volunteer committees, manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, including grantmaking, communications, membership, and events. We have no paid staff.

The WGC is headed by a Leadership Board consisting of two WGC Cochairs and two Cochairs for each of the following committees: Grant Research, Grant Evaluation, Grant Monitoring, Membership, Programs, Community Outreach, and Communications. Additional Board roles include Treasurer, Secretary, Past Cochair, Special Projects Chair, and Archivist.

All WGC members are welcome to serve on any of our committees and/or help at our membership and educational events.

How does the WGC ensure transparency and accountability?

We provide regular updates to members, detailed financial reporting, as well as thorough vetting and monitoring grant recipients. Our committees work diligently to ensure that funds are used effectively and for the intended purpose.

Additional questions?

Contact us and we'll be happy to help.