Celebrating the Women’s Giving Circle

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Frederick Women's Giving Circle grant awards event, where members came together to distribute $290,000 in funding to local organizations supporting women and families in our community.

The range of work being supported was inspiring, from services for people experiencing homelessness, to literacy programs, job training opportunities in construction, and access to breast cancer screening. Each organization is addressing a different need, but together they are helping build a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community.

Being part of this group reminds me of the power of collective giving. When individuals come together around a shared purpose, even modest contributions can add up to meaningful change. Beyond the financial impact, these groups create opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired by the incredible work happening all around us.

I left feeling grateful, hopeful, and proud to be a small part of this effort.

If you've ever considered joining a giving circle or community philanthropy group, I encourage you to explore it. And remember, giving doesn't have to be financial. Time, expertise, mentorship, advocacy, and volunteer service are all valuable contributions that strengthen our communities.

The impact we can have together is often far greater than what we can achieve alone.