› Membership and Joining the Circle
Who are Circle members?
Women of all ages from diverse backgrounds who want to participate in a group whose mission is to improve the lives of other women and their families in greater Baltimore. We welcome new members throughout the year.
If I am interested or have a friend who is interested in the Circle, how can we get information?
Learn more about the Giving Circle by contacting: membership@theBWGC.org
OR
Baltimore Community Foundation
2 East Read Street, 9th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 410.332.4172, ext. 133
Fax: 410.837.4701
A packet of information will be mailed upon your request.
How much of my annual $1,100 contribution is tax deductible?
All of it.
How is my contribution used?
$1,000 will be granted in the year following your payment. $100 is used to cover administrative support and costs related to Circle activities, committees and mailing and printing.
How long is my commitment when I join?
The initial commitment is for two years; after that, membership renews year to year. If you wish, you may pay for more than one year at a time.
When is my annual contribution due?
By September 30 each year so we can determine how much money is available for the next granting cycle. However, new members may join at any time.
What payment method may I use?
You may pay by check, online with a credit card, by wire, with securities, by recommending a grant from a donor-advised fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation, or by transfer from another charitable fund. See detailed information under Become a Member on the BWGC website.
› Circle Meetings
Does the BWGC meet as a group?
Yes, there are four Full Circle meetings a year. At three of the meetings, policy experts, program operators and program beneficiaries present on issues affecting women and their families, followed by a Q and A. At the fourth meeting, BWGC members ratify the Grant Committee’s recommendations for the year’s grants to be made from Giving Circle funds.
May members bring a guest to a Full Circle Meeting?
Yes, usually to three of the four meetings. The May Full Circle Meeting is for members only as that is when the grants ratification takes place. Please be sure when you RSVP to give your guest’s name as well as your own. Please meet or accompany your guest to the meeting.
› Committees
Whom do I contact if I want to join/change a committee?
The BWGC liaison at The Baltimore Community Foundation at 410.332.4172, ext. 133 or bcfliaison@theBWGC.org
Whom do I contact if I have a question about my committee?
The committee’s co-chairs:
Grants Committee: grants@theBWGC.org
Membership Committee: membership@theBWGC.org
Education Committee: education@theBWGC.org
Post Grant Evaluation Committee: postgrant@theBWGC.org
Communications Committee: communications@theBWGC.org
Do I have to join a committee?
No, not at all. But it is a great way to get involved and learn about the Circle.
May I join more than one committee?
Yes, but we recommend you first carefully consider the time commitment of each.
May members bring a guest to a committee meeting?
No, committee meetings are for Circle members only.
› Grants
How are grants awarded?
Circle members are involved in all aspects of the decision-making process associated with grants awarded by BWGC. Teams of Circle members review grant applications and conduct site visits to those organizations that have submitted particularly outstanding proposals. Team members report to the full Grants Committee on their recommendations for funding. The Grants Committee reaches consensus on funding and presents its recommendations to the full BWGC membership for ratification at the Annual Meeting in May.
How can I participate in the grants review process?
Sign up to serve on the Readers Subcommittee of the Grants Committee.
How does an organization receive information about applying for a grant?
Through the BWGC website or from an RFP (request for proposal) mailed each fall to organizations in the Greater Baltimore area identified as providing services that relate to the BWGC mission. Circle members can add to our list and request that a specific organization receive an RFP by contacting grants@theBWGC.org. Organizations may add their names to our RFP list by contacting grants@theBWGC.org. Organizations do not need to receive an RFP to apply for a grant; see Apply for a Grant on the BWGC website for information.