Women Making a Difference

This page is for women who are interested in becoming a member of Women Making a Difference. In Charleston, S.C., a growing number of women are joining forces, pooling money and making a considerable impact on the community. Known as Women Making a Difference, this dynamic group has generated more than $335,000 since 2002 to enhance quality of life in the Lowcountry.

Women Making a Difference is a giving circle, a group of savvy women who band together to increase their giving power, and grants are supported by annual membership donations. Members make annual, tax-deductible donations between $250 and $2,500; membership is open to all women. Modeled after book and investment clubs, giving circles are comprised of like-minded individuals who leverage their resources, time and energy to make an impact that supersedes the effort of a lone donor. This type of philanthropy has emerged as one of the fastest growing trends in charitable giving, according to New Ventures in Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based organization.

Women Making a Difference, like many giving circles, funnels membership dues into a donor-advised fund managed by the local community foundation. Women Making a Difference pays one percent of annual contributions to the Coastal Community Foundation for its managerial and related resources; 85% of funds go directly to grants; 10% of funds go into Women Making a Difference’s endowment fund to insure future giving.

We have several membership levels and you may make one payment, or make your payments monthly or quarterly.

For more information about our group, please visit our web site at http://womenmakingadifference.com.