ABOUT US
The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County is a registered independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our Mission: Through the power of collective giving, the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County provides grants to local nonprofits that empower women facing challenging circumstances.
Our Vision: We seek to make Frederick County a place where all women, regardless of their circumstances, have the resources and support they need to thrive.
WHAT WE DO
Through an annual grant application and award cycle, we provide funding to local organizations that aid women in need in Frederick County.
Members are invited to join one of our committees to help with the behind-the-scenes work of the Circle. Visit our Volunteer Page for more information.
FUNDING
Funding is provided through initial membership commitments, continued giving, and other donations/sponsorships. The grant/operational fund supports grant-making and operational costs. The Giving Circle permanent fund provides a perpetual funding stream.
OUR CORE VALUES
The primary objective of a nonprofit's core values is to provide a foundational framework that guides its decisions, actions, and culture, ensuring alignment between its mission and its operations.
We believe in:
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Collaboration: There is power in collaboration and collective philanthropy.
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Widening Impact: Women possess significant potential to enhance the quality of their own lives, those of their families, and the wider community, when provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to overcome challenges and obstacles.
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Trust: We place our trust in the expertise of Frederick County nonprofits to deliver effective, community-based programs that empower local women to overcome obstacles, achieve financial security, and thrive.
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Inclusion: We value inclusivity and mutual respect, fostering a community where our membership is open to all and our funding extends to local women navigating challenging circumstances.
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Local Impact: Our commitment is to fund exclusively local nonprofit organizations whose programs directly benefit women in Frederick County.
OUR GOALS
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Philanthropic Impact: Deliver grant funding and other support to local nonprofit organizations serving women, age 18 and over, who face circumstances that limit their ability to achieve financial stability.
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Empowerment and Family Impact: Empower women to build stability and self-sufficiency, recognizing that strengthening women strengthens families and the broader Frederick County community.
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Collective Giving, Membership, and Local Awareness: Build and sustain an inclusive, multigenerational philanthropic community committed to collective giving and informed about the evolving needs of women in Frederick County.
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Financial Sustainability and Legacy: Ensure long-term sustainability through diversified funding, including direct giving, fundraising, and planned giving, supported by both flexible and permanent funds.
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Stewardship and Adaptability: Operate with strong stewardship, an effective volunteer program, and adaptability to ensure the continued success of the Circle
OUR HISTORY
The Women’s Giving Circle was formed in 2006 to provide a new avenue for women to be involved in the community.
OUR LEADERSHIP
The Women's Giving Circle is governed by a Board. Members of the WGC Board serve two-year terms.
IMPACT
The 2026 grant awards totaled $290,000 and $3,519,607 has been awarded to 67 local nonprofit organizations since the founding of the Women's Giving Circle in 2006.