Women and Girls Fund
The Women and Girls Fund is both a component fund of The Community Foundation and a local movement to involve women in philanthropy. Initially established as a field of interest fund by the 2008-2009 Community Foundation Board of Governors, this fund enriches our community by addressing the needs of area women and girls.
The founding vision is a fund made up 1,000 women, each willing to pledge $1,000. The long range goal, then, is a $1 million endowment. Specific strategies of the effort include empowering area women leaders to contribute “time, treasure and talent” on behalf of women and girls, as well as generating localized data to inform and guide charitable grant making. Grant funding recommendations are made at the direction of the Women and Girls Fund Members.
Our mission is to maximize women's leadership in philanthropy. We engage and educate our membership. We build a culture of empowerment and effective giving to increase awareness of and address the unique needs of women and girls in our local community.
Why Women and Girls?
Research shows that social investment in women reduces poverty, raises productivity and accelerates economic growth. By engaging and strengthening women from all walks of life, we can break the cycle of poverty and create healthier families and neighborhoods. Women who build on their strength have increased self-worth and are strong, positive role models for their children. Investing in girls yields still higher returns by increasing earning power and overall health among the women, their families and their communities. These positive changes can last for generations. To learn more, browse our research and publications.
We warmly welcome new Members to join in our work. The Community Foundation founded its Women and Girls Fund on the principle that investing in women and girls is a powerful way to invest in our community. Through the fund we are able to focus the talent, ideas and financial resources of area women to meet the critical needs of women and girls in our community. Over time, we will grow the Women and Girls Fund to 1,000 women who, together, donate $1 million creating an endowment that makes future grantmaking a permanent, sustainable community asset. We offer a variety of donation options to make the fund accessible to women of all means. Join us today!
Women and Girls Fund Membership Options:
$1,000 paid once, in full
$1,000 paid over One Year ($250 per quarter)
$1,000 paid over Four Years ($250 per year)
$1,000 paid over Five Years ($200 per year)
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunties, please contact us at 540-373-9292.
Follow The Community Foundation on Facebook for updates from this fund. Women and Girls Fund Members can join the Women and Girls Fund Facebook Group.
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Board of Directors |
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Melinda May |
Treasurer |
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Gloria Bennett |
Board Member |
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Jessica Beringer |
Board Member |
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Linda Blakemore |
Board Member |
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Rebecca Danello |
Board Member |
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LB Gschwandtner |
Board Member |
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Robin Huddle |
Board Member |
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Chrissy McDermott |
Board Member |
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Teri McNally |
Board Member |
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Louise Morton |
Board Member |
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Suzy Stone |
Board Member |
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Adele Young |
Board Member |
