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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 New 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. 94% 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 fund of the Collier Community Foundation, a nonprofit agency. 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.
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