For 14 years, the Women for Women Circle of Giving – a special initiative of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln – has recruited new members, sought to meet critical community needs, and combined individual donations to create a endowment for the future.

These years of efforts culminated in an important milestone: the balance of the Community Foundation’s Women’s Fund exceeded $ 1 million.

“By pooling our resources, we are able to make a much greater collective impact as a group than any of us could accomplish individually. Reaching $ 1 million in the Women’s Fund is proof of that, ”said Karen Witter, Chair of the Women for Women Steering Committee. “Through our collective giving, we are able to award large-scale grants, which increases our impact. “

Women for Women was established in 2006 as a giving circle to create permanent charitable resources for local organizations serving women and their families.

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Members make tax-deductible annual contributions of $ 1,000 to the Women’s Fund. Contributions are due by December 31 of each calendar year, and cumulative giving is celebrated based on donation levels.

Over the years, Women for Women has not only strengthened the endowment fund; the group has also awarded more than $ 430,000 in grants to community organizations.

For Witter and the other Women for Women members, it’s about more than just writing an annual check. Each year, the group meets with representatives of the different charities they support and learn more about their mission and how the grants meet the urgent needs of women and their families.

“When people give money, they do it knowing and hoping that their money will make an impact. Being able to see and understand the tangible results of your money at work makes you feel even better about giving, ”said Witter. “Women for Women has done a great job highlighting the beneficiaries and the impact they have. It is extremely gratifying to see the direct results of how our grants improve the lives of women and have a lasting impact.

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By relying on collective donations, the amount offered in scholarships has increased over time. The endowment ensures that these gifts will continue for years to come.

“The size of our grants really matters,” Witter said. “And we are now able, with our resources, to make multi-year commitments. We have seen a significant impact with larger grants given to innovative organizations. “

Grants are determined through a competitive process with members serving on the selection committee. The Grants Committee annually solicits applications from nonprofits and local programs and undergoes a thorough review process to recommend grant recipients.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way Women for Women comes together, the dedication of the members has proven to be unwavering as new community needs emerge.

The next step for Women for Women is its annual launch event, which will be held virtually from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19 via Zoom. Those who RSVP to attend will receive a Zoom link.

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The event will feature Sondra Shaw-Hardy, founder of Women’s Giving Circles International, co-founder of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University, and a revered author on women and philanthropy.

Women of all generations and backgrounds are encouraged to join the October 19 event and learn more about Women for Women and the power of community philanthropy.

“We are continually looking to diversify our membership across all demographics and ages, so we really invite everyone to learn more about our group,” Witter said. “We encourage people to join us knowing that you will be able to see tangible results from your contribution, which is very rewarding. By making a substantial donation and pooling our resources, we can see firsthand the results of our donations, more than by making smaller donations here and there.

To confirm your attendance at the Women for Women Virtual Launch Event on October 19, email [email protected] To learn more about Women for Women or the Community Foundation‘s charitable funds, visit CFLL.org or email [email protected]