During the summer of 2006, The Community Foundation of the CSRA and The United Way of the CSRA began a series of meetings to discuss the development of a women’s philanthropy effort. Both organizations shared an interest in building the capacity of a women’s group that could become a significant philanthropic movement in the Central Savannah River Area. Women in Philanthropy for Central Savannah River Area is the result of that partnership.
The Community Foundation and The United Way hosted a luncheon to recruit ten Founding Members to lead the initiative. Carolyn Maund and Beth Evans graciously agreed to serve as co-chairs of this new group and soon word of the organization began to spread. Founding members agreed to make an annual commitment of $1,000 and to help recruit other founding members. After forming a steering committee, the Board of Directors was assembled with the goals of recruiting new members and forming working committees.
In March 2008, a luncheon was held to introduce Women in Philanthropy to prospective new members. Several early founders spoke about the power of the purse and gave testimonials that inspired others to join. Women were encouraged to become part of a powerful philanthropic effort through leadership, charity, and advocacy. By June 2008, Women in Philanthropy grew from 31 to 100 Founding Members, each making an annual commitment of $1,000.
What began as a dream grew quickly into reality! Today we have over 200 members, a seventeen member Board of Directors, eight committees, and the foundation of our legacy of giving.
