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 voice.

Who can become a member?

Membership is open to any woman who contributes $1,200 annually to the Women's Giving Circle of SWFL. To become a member, complete the New Member 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 grants to local nonprofits. The grant process typically focuses on a different theme each year and includes proposal submissions, site visits, and the opportunity for members to vote to select the recipients.

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

Each member's annual contribution is $1,200, of which $1,000 goes directly to community grants that will be awarded to the vetted nonprofit agencies. In addition, $200 is used for operational and mission-related expenses. 93% of funds collected are applied to grants and programs for local nonprofit agencies.

Membership is paid every November by credit card, by check to the Women's Giving Circle SWFL, or through a Donor Advised Fund.

Are contributions tax-deductible?

Yes, contributions are fully tax-deductible to the extent as defined by IRS regulations; the WGC is a federal and state approved 501c3 nonprofit organization.

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  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 a Program Committee that invites WGC grantees, or other nonprofit organizations, to speak at our Membership Meetings. We also arrange 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 501c3 status that align with the yearly grant theme i.e.: food insecurity, children’s programs, assistance to senior adults, etc.

We extend an invitation to apply for a grant to 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; the membership votes to approve this grant slate in the Spring. Selected grantees receive their grants in May and have a year in which to use the funds as approved.

A Grant Impact Committee member follows up by providing oversight and 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 over $1,150,000  to nonprofits serving women and their families in Southwest Florida.

Structure

How is the WGC governed?

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

The WGC is headed by a governing Board consisting of two WGC Cochairs and a Coleader for each of the following committees: Grant Research, Grant Evaluation, Grant Impact, Membership, Program, Community Engagement,  and Communications. Additional Board roles include Treasurer, Secretary, Development Officer, and the two Founders.

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 of 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!