The Women's Giving Circle of Southwest Florida

Grantmaking Process

Theme selection: Based on SWFL community needs and a recommendation from the Grant Research Committee, the WGC Board approves an annual grant theme (e.g., children, seniors, healthcare, education, food insecurity). Guided by the Collier and Lee community foundations, the Grant Research Committee studies potential applicants and identifies nonprofits to invite. Applications are by invitation only; invitations go out each Fall, with grants awarded the following April.

Application and evaluation: The Grant Evaluation Committee invites prospective grantees to apply, then interviews selected applicants to assess their ability to deliver on the proposal. After review, the Committee presents a proposed grantee slate and funding recommendations to WGC's membership for approval. Once approved, funds are distributed and oversight shifts to the Grant Impact Committee.

Impact and reporting: The Grant Impact Committee, working with a WGC liaison, ensures funds are used as outlined in the application. Each grantee submits a midterm and final report, with the final report detailing activities, outcomes, and any obstacles encountered.

"Women’s Giving Circle has been an incredible supporter of our work at Collier Senior Center-Golden Gate. Their generosity and encouragement have made a real difference in reaching more seniors in need. Beyond the funding, their belief in our mission has been both encouraging and energizing. I’m proud to be connected to a group that is so deeply rooted in generosity and purpose."

Esther, Collier Senior Center, Grant Recipient

WGC Will Fund

WGC Will Not Fund

Diversity and Faith-based Policy

Requests that align with WGC's annual theme
Organizations that received an invitation to apply
Programs and resources that promote our mission and self-sufficiency for women and their families
Organizations that support women and their families of all ages to live healthy productive lives
Programs that focus on those who are disadvantaged economically, physically, and/or socially
Grants that last no longer than one year
Nonprofit 501-(c)(3) organizations as defined by the IRS code

An organization may only submit one grant proposal per grant cycle.

Any funds not used or committed for the specific purpose of the grant must be returned to the Women's Giving Circle of Southwest Florida.

An organization is eligible to be considered for an additional grant during a subsequent grant cycle once the funded program has been successfully completed, funds have been accounted for, and all conditions of the first grant have been met.

Organizational endowments
Capital improvements
Purchase of event tickets or sponsorships
Deficit reduction
Annual drives or annual giving campaigns
Political activities, campaigns, or political action committees
Grants to individuals or private schools
Scholarly research
Programs whose philosophy, requirements, or activities do not support and uphold the Diversity and Faith-Based Policies of the Collier Community Foundation and the WGC SWFL

Diversity Policy
The applicant organization must have in writing a board-approved policy supporting the following Collier Community Foundation Statement of Diversity.

"We promote the celebration and acceptance of our community's diversity, which contributes to a healthy, caring community. The Collier Community Foundation believes that diversity encompasses, but is not limited to religion, age, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstances, physical and mental abilities, characteristics and philosophy."

Faith-based Policy
Faith-based organizations shall not use grants to support inherently religious activities, such as religious worship or evangelization. An organization must take steps to separate, in time or location, their inherently religious activities from the Community Foundation's (and Women's Giving Circle's) funded service. Only organizations that accept participants from all faiths are considered for funding.

Serving Lee and Collier Counties, Florida

24600 So. Tamiami Tr. Suite 212, Bonita Springs, FL 34134,

PMB 257

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The Women's Giving Circle of Southwest Florida is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and maintains a donor-advised fund at the Collier Community Foundation.

Affiliated with Philanos, the leading national women’s giving circle network

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