History of the Women’s Giving Circle of Fayetteville As of June 11, 2010

The Board of Directors of Cumberland Community Foundation and several women in the community (Terri Union & Jean Harrison) expressed interest in giving circles and how they would be beneficial for Cumberland County. From 2004 - 2006, Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) began learning about giving circles. After thorough research by the CCF staff, the CCF Board of Directors made the decision to apply for grant money from NCGives to aid in establishing giving circles for our community. In October 2007, the staff of CCF assembled a group of ladies to attend the 2^nd annual North Carolina Conference for Women Givers; the conference provided a wealth of information about giving circles. 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 and founding members for the Women’s Giving Circle of Fayetteville (WGCF). The WGCF was formed as a charitable fund established by Cumberland Community Foundation (CCF) through a grant from NCGives and Cumberland Community Foundation. The WGCF is housed at CCF; they provide administrative support.

The goals of the WGCF include:

• Empowering women of all ages and backgrounds
• Educating donors on philanthropy, finance, grant making and community issues that affect women and girls
• Impacting and making positive change for women and girls throughout Cumberland County by pooling financial resources and deciding collectively where to donate the money

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 WGCF.

Since the November 2008 membership meeting, the following committees have been formed and are fully functioning:

• Grants Committee
• Marketing Committee
• Membership Committee
• Education & Events Committee

The WGCF held its first grant cycle in 2009. A detailed process was followed and $26,000 in grants were awarded to the following organizations to benefit women and girls with basic needs as a focus area emphasizing but not limited to food, shelter and health care:

• Cumberland Interfaith Hospitality Network – “SWIM Program” - $13,500
• Cumberland County Medication Assistance Program – “A Better Today, A Brighter Future” - $6,000
• CARE Family Violence Center –“Family Housing Fund” - $3,500
• Second Harvest Food Bank – “Stretching Your Food Dollars” - $1,500
• The Salvation Army – “Love Garden” - $1,500

For the 2010 grant cycle, the WGCF voted to award grants to organizations that benefit women and children with basic needs as a focus area emphasizing but not limited to food, shelter and health care. The circle will have $50,000 to grant for this grant cycle.

The WGCF continues to grow and add new members. As of April 29, 2010, the WGCF has 107 members, a Scorecard on women and children’s issues and $50,000 to award in grants for 2010. We are currently working on the Scorecard for 2010 with updated information about the focus areas the circle has chosen relating to women and children. The WGCF feels that collectively we are making a difference in our community.