In Charleston, S.C., a growing number of women are joining forces, pooling money and making a considerable impact on the community. Known as Women Making a Difference, this dynamic group has generated more than $335,000 since 2002 to enhance quality of life in the Lowcountry.

The mission for Women Making a Difference is to build a community of women philanthropists, maintain a permanent endowment fund, and provide grants to institutions and initiatives that advance the well-being of women and children in Charleston. Read our bylaws.

Started by three women of varying ages and backgrounds, Women Making a Difference strives to build a community of women philanthropists, generate significant annual grants and maintain a permanent endowment so the good work will be carried out for generations to come.

Women Making a Difference is a giving circle, a group of savvy women who band together to increase their giving power, and grants are supported by annual membership donations. Members make annual, tax-deductible donations between $250 and $2,500; membership is open to all women. Modeled after book and investment clubs, giving circles are comprised of like-minded individuals who leverage their resources, time and energy to make an impact that supersedes the effort of a lone donor. This type of philanthropy has emerged as one of the fastest growing trends in charitable giving, according to New Ventures in Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based organization.

Women Making a Difference, like many giving circles, funnels membership dues into a donor-advised fund managed by the local community foundation. Women Making a Difference pays one percent of annual contributions to the Coastal Community Foundation for its managerial and related resources; 85% of funds go directly to grants; 10% of funds go into Women Making a Difference’s endowment fund to insure future giving.

“Believe me,” says Tish Lynn of the Coastal Community Foundation, “Women Making a Difference is still cutting edge. The rest of the country is just now catching up and talking about giving circles. Truly, you have made it possible for women to be philanthropic in a very special way.”

In addition to having a voice when deciding which area non-profits to fund, members gather at members' homes and area nonprofits periodically throughout the year to enjoy wine and networking. The organization hosts a large membership drive party in April of each year and grants are dispersed at a ceremony in November.


Founders
Katie Dukes
Weesie Newton
Nancy Snowden

Founders' Circle
former executive committee members
Carrie Bailey-Morey
Kenton Barham
Ida Becker
Sarah Bradley
Kay Chitty
Sara Corbett
Cassie Dulaney
Darci Grady
Marcie Jacobs
Kristen Lane
LuAnn McCants
Mabry Morrison
Jennifer Rhodes
Elizabeth Sinkler
Nancye Starnes