Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~Margaret Meade
Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation
In 2001, a small group of thoughtful, committed women came together to focus their giving power in order to make changes in our world in Idaho. Called the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation, it was formed with a mission to inspire women with the power of collaborative philanthropy.
The group has grown to nearly 250 members who educate themselves about the needs in our community and, through a democratic process, direct their pooled funds to where they believe it will make the greatest impact. The pooled funds can make a tremendous difference to a nonprofit or community project that may otherwise be overlooked.
Each member of IWCF gives an annual donation of $1,100. Half of that goes to a local nonprofit of her choice. Half goes to local nonprofits selected by the whole group. A three-year commitment is required from its members.
Its first grant, in 2002, was for just under $20,000 to Terry Reilly Health Services' "Woman to Woman/Amiga" cervical cancer screening program in Marsing.
Since then, the group has paid for elementary school math programs, running tracks, community gardens and more. This year, its giving pool has grown to $120,000.
In March of 2009, IWCF will celebrate one million dollars in combined grants and individual designations since its inception. Their One Million Dollar Celebration will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 6-9 p.m. in the Stueckle Sky Center at Boise State.
For more information on IWCF, go to www.idahowomenscharitablefoundation.org or call (208) 343- IWCF (4923)
Little Black Dress Club
A similar local giving circle was formed earlier this year by another group of women. The Little Black Dress Club aims to attract women who can't yet commit as much money to a cause, but still want to play a philanthropic role in the community.
They currently have 53 members, exceeding their goal of 50 members when they formed in April. Each woman donates $300 annually, or $25 a month This year they will grant approximately $13,000 to selected nonprofit organizations in Ada and Canyon counties.
With their motto: “Empowering women, creating community and making philanthropy accessible and fun!” the group also includes socializing as a part of its mission. They participated in the St. Luke's Women's Fitness Celebration and The Komen Race for the Cure as a group. They also coordinate a variety of volunteer projects and have periodic social gatherings.
For more information on the LBDC, e-mail littleblackdressclubboise@gmail.com.
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