Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle

Nonprofit organizations seeking to improve life for disadvantaged families in Baltimore City and Baltimore County have until December 8 to submit proposals to the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) at the Baltimore Community Foundation for grants of up to $20,000. Eligibility details and other information, including a downloadable copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP), may be found at thebwgc.org/grants/apply or by calling 410-332-4172 ×144.

In June, BWGC awarded more than $300,000 in grants to 19 Baltimore-area nonprofit organizations. Selected from 77 applicants, the 19 organizations, programs and services matched BWGC's goal of improving life and promoting self-sufficiency for economically disadvantaged women and their children in Baltimore City and County. Grantees serve women and their families in key areas such as: domestic violence, health services, housing, life skills, literacy/education, mentoring, and parenting skills.

The Circle, a group of female donors who pool their charitable dollars—each member contributing $1,100 yearly—decides together where those dollars will be spent. A fund of the Baltimore Community Foundation, the BWGC was started by 52 women in 2001. The Circle has grown to include more than 300 members, and to date has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants. Co-chairs are Pat Joseph and Beth Lebow.