The Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County (WGC) granted a total of $7,400 to five nonprofit organizations at their annual business meeting on November 2nd held at the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center in Bradford. Along with the awarding of grants, the women enjoyed appetizers, raffles and a self-guided tour of the museum.
Women’s Giving Circle is a donor advised fund held at the McKean County Community Foundation. Since its inception in 2019, the WGC fund has awarded over $31,000 in grants to enhance local nonprofit programs. The fund was established by a group of community-minded women who continue to work together to address and support issues that are important to women.
The recipients of the 2023 WGC grants were YWCA Bradford, $2,000 for increase in length of shelter stays; Mattresses Across McKean County, $2,000 for twin and toddler mattress distribution; Destinations of Bradford, $2,000 for Emergency Housing Vouchers; Catholic Charities and Adoption Services, $800 for necessities, such as wipes, baby food, formula, toiletries, strollers, and pack-n-plays; and CARE for Children, $600 for LifeVac Choking Rescue Devices and trainings.
WGC offers the opportunity for every woman to become a member and participate in charitable giving in their community. Members each donate a very affordable $100 or more annually. All donations are pooled together each year to determine the amount available for granting that year. WGC extends an invitation to all area women to join their organization.
WGC members can enjoy two events each year; an annual meeting where they network and hear presentations by organizations that have applied for a grant, then vote on the projects of their choice; and a yearly fun social event to enjoy the company of many other amazing women. The only requirement is an affordable personal contribution to the granting fund to help support local nonprofits. There are no regular meetings or job assignments to take up your valuable time! Detailed information on the Women’s Giving Circle is available on our website, www.mckeancountyfoundation.org.
The next round of grant applications will be available in late summer of 2024. Eligible awards will be limited to nonprofit organizations with current 501 (c) (3) status, faith-based organizations, schools, or municipalities who serve the residents of McKean County.
For more details about Women’s Giving Circle membership please contact the McKean County Community Foundation at 1-844-238-2289 or by email at mccf@mckeancountyfoundation.org.
PHOTO: Members of the Women’s Giving Circle of McKean County awarded $7,400 in grants at their 2023 Annual Meeting following presentations by representatives of each grant applicant organization. Representing the grant winners were Mark Lonzi of Destinations Bradford, Tiffany Boschert of Catholic Charities & Adoption Center, Ronda Skoken from Mattresses Across McKean County, Leslie Kallenborn from CARE for Children; and Vanessa Castano from YWCA Bradford.
