Baltimore Women's Giving Circle Celebrates 25 Years of Empowering Women Through Philanthropy

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle

The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle (BWGC) has reached a significant milestone, celebrating 25 years of collective philanthropy aimed at empowering women and families in the Baltimore area. Founded in 2001, this inspiring initiative has evolved from a small group of 52 women to a collective of more than 400 members, who have together granted nearly $9 million to local nonprofits since its inception.

Over the past quarter century, the BWGC has awarded grants to a total of 224 nonprofit organizations, demonstrating its commitment to addressing critical issues such as education, health, job readiness, housing stability, and family support. The Circle, which operates as a fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation, is built on the belief that women's collaboration can lead to transformative change in their communities.

A Legacy of Support and Community Engagement

Each year, the BWGC provides annual grants of up to $25,000 to support organizations that align with its mission. Within this time frame, it has awarded 481 grants, impacting countless lives and fostering positive change in Baltimore. Beyond financial support, members actively engage with grantees through community learning, site visits, and ongoing relationships that deepen the impact of their contributions.

Co-chair Barbara Epke emphasized the collective strength of the Circle, stating, "For 25 years, the Baltimore Women's Giving Circle has shown that when women come together, we can make a measurable difference. Every grant represents the power of shared purpose — hundreds of women pooling their resources, ideas, and voices to strengthen Baltimore's future."

This milestone acts not only as a celebration but as a clarion call for more women to join the Circle. Co-chair Renee Gordon added, "Our work is far from finished. We hope this anniversary inspires more women to join us, because each new member expands our reach and strengthens the legacy we're building together."

Making Philanthropy Accessible

To enable participation from women of varying financial capacities, the BWGC has established a tiered annual contribution model, with options of $2,500, $1,200, or $600. This flexibility allows women at different stages of life to contribute, ensuring the Circle remains inclusive and representative of the broader community.

The BWGC serves as a prime example of the power of collective philanthropy, illustrating how collaboration and a shared vision can lead to significant societal progress. As it embarks on its next chapter, the Circle continues to inspire a culture of giving and community involvement.

Looking Ahead: The Future of BWGC

As the Baltimore Women's Giving Circle looks to the future, it remains resolute in its vision for a just, equitable, and inclusive Baltimore, one where all women and their families can thrive. With each new member, the Circle expands its capacity to drive change and enhance the lives of those in need.

For more information on how to join the Baltimore Women's Giving Circle and contribute to this meaningful legacy, interested individuals can visit www.thebwgc.org.

About the Baltimore Women's Giving Circle

The Baltimore Women's Giving Circle is a fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation that brings together women to pool their philanthropic resources and award annual grants to organizations advancing opportunities for women and their families in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Since its founding in 2001, the Circle has grown significantly and continues to make a difference in the community.

About the Baltimore Community Foundation

Established over 50 years ago, the Baltimore Community Foundation has been a catalyst for philanthropic initiatives in the region. It connects individuals who are committed to improving their communities and helps maximize their giving through strategic grants and special initiatives aimed at strengthening schools and neighborhoods. To learn more about how to invest wisely in community development, visit www.bcf.org.