Good Work

A superpower called RWF

How do you take a woman's $2,000 donation and convert it into a five- or six-figure transformative grant to a deserving area nonprofit organization? This is exactly what happens when women join the Roanoke Women’s Foundation (RWF) and exercise the power of collective charitable giving. RWF is a philanthropic organization based on a model started in Seattle, Washington in 1995. There are now over 1,000 similar organizations throughout the country, and many around the world.

RWF, founded in 2004 by Roanokers Ginny Jarrett and Kandy Elliott, provides an opportunity for women to join together to collectively address important community needs. RWF’s membership currently consists of 180 women, each having an equal vote in selecting our annual grant recipients. Since RWF’s founding, we've awarded over $4 million in grants in the areas of Arts and Culture, Health and Human Services, Education and Environment. We welcome your grant applications, and the 2021 process opens on March 1. A comprehensive, months-long grants process ensures member donations are allocated wisely and aligned with demonstrated community needs. Grants are awarded in the fall.

Through an annual commitment of $2,100 ($2,000 is tax-deductible for grants, $100 defrays administrative costs), RWF members make life changing annual gifts to significantly benefit our region. Although its members have no obligation beyond their contributions and voting for grant recipients, there are opportunities for deeper engagement, including serving on the board or a committee and attending events. Women are our superpower and joining is simple!

Please contact us at info@roanokewomensfoundation.org or visit our website, www.roanokewomensfoundation.org for more information on membership or grant application.

Kathy Graves Stockburger is president of Roanoke Women’s Foundation.

GOOD WORK

By Kathy Graves Stockburger

Executive Summary:

The Roanoke Women’s Foundation is not only a growing professional networking group, it has proven to be a valuable, measureable contributor to our local community.