For several years, women in the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community expressed their interest to Mary Holmes, Executive Director of the Cumberland Community Foundation about giving circles. Mary researched this new phenomenon of women’s giving circles and identified funding. In _____Mary Holmes assembled a group of ladies to attend the 2nd annual North Carolina Conference for women givers. Upon their return home, they assembled a group of visionary, dedicated and thoughtful women community leaders to further discuss philanthropy in women and the start up of a women’s giving circle. This group became the core leadership team for the Women’s Giving Circle of Fayetteville (WGCF). Thus the WGCF was formed as a charitable fund established by the Cumberland Community Foundation through a grant form NC Gives.
The goals of this group include:
Empowering women of all ages and backgrounds
Educating donors on women’s issues in our community
Impacting and making positive change for women and girls throughout Cumberland County by pooling financial resources
Interest in the community was very high; women immediately saw the rationale to address the needs of women and girls in the community. The group began to meet monthly to put together the infrastructure of the organization, while at the same time hosting informal gatherings in their homes to discuss the concept with other women in the community. In November 2008, the group hosted its first membership meeting with a total of 56 members.
The members of the WGCF each have committed to a minimum of three years; each member gives $550.00 annually. $400 is immediately contributed to the grant making fund, $100 is contributed to the endowment fund and the additional $50.00 is for program and operating expenses. The three year commitment helps women to realize that philanthropy is a lifetime venture and helps to provide stability to the WGC.
Since the November 2008 membership meeting, the following committees have been formed and are fully functioning.
Grants Committee -
Marketing Committee-
Membership Committee –
Education & Arrangements Committee-
In June 2009, we stand before you with a membership of 71 members, a score card on women and girls issues and $26,000 to award in grants.
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Our Mission
The Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County seeks to build and encourage philanthropy in women, engage all generations, and encourage women to be more intentional with their giving. They seek to impact substantial, positive change for women and children throughout Cumberland County by pooling financial resources.
How It Works
Each member of the Women’s Giving Circle contributes a $550 annual gift; $400 is immediately placed in the grant-making fund; $100 is placed in the endowment; and $50 is added to the program and operating expense fund. To ensure the continuity of the circle, members are asked to pledge an annual commitment of $550 for three years.
How To Join
Download and complete the Welcome Packet below and return it with your check to Cumberland Community Foundation, attention: Susan Barnes, P. O. Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302.
http://www.cumberlandcf.org/WomensGivingCircle.php
http://www.cumberlandcf.org/WomensGivingCircle.php
For More Information
Contact the Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County Coordinator, Susan Barnes at susan@cumberlandcf.org or 910-483-4449.
Founding Members
Christin Bellian, Mary Lynn Bryan, Patty Collie, Michelle Courie, Alisa Debnam, Laura Devan, Margaret Dickson, Jean Harrison, Lucy Jones, Sarah Moorman, Terri Union, Kaki Van Sickle, Cynthia Wilson, and Denise Wyatt
2009 Grant Award Winners
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