Women's Giving Circle

GIVING

2019 Frederick

Women’s Giving Circle Linda Roth, vice chair & Karlys Kline, founder & chair emerita

For more than a decade, the Women’s Giving Circle has focused on cultivating philanthropy among women in Frederick County. Through the power of collective giving, the circle pools members’ monetary contributions to support local nonprofits serving the needs of women.

Founded in 2006, the Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County was formed to provide a new avenue for women to be involved in the Frederick community. Today, the Women's Giving Circle includes more than 350 members and has provided $1,654,515 in grant funds to 47 local nonprofit organizations.

The focus of The Women’s Giving Circle emerged from a seed of an idea planted in the mind of Karlys Kline, a more than 25-year resident of Frederick. Karlys discovered that many women and their children in Frederick County were facing significant struggles in their lives, and she wanted to find a way to assist them.

Not wanting to duplicate existing programs, Karlys founded a fund through the Community Foundation of Frederick County, with the idea that funds would help women who needed money to better their own

lives and the lives of their children. She gathered friends and business associates and issued a challenge — pledge $3,000 during a period of three years ($1,000 per year) to help other women and their children facing economic challenges in the Frederick community. The idea quickly caught on and in 2007 the first set of grants to nine Frederick nonprofits totaled $70,000.

Karlys is a community leader, known for her service and philanthropic activities; she retired in 2009 and dedicates all of her time to help improve the Frederick community. She has participated on the board or committees of more than 42 local nonprofits.

Linda Roth joined the Circle in 2014. She previously served as the co-chair of the program committee before taking on the leadership role of Vice Chair in 2018. Linda is the Assistant Vice President of Community Development at Frederick County Bank and specializes in board development, community relations, volunteer management, communications and marketing.

312 E. Church St., Frederick • 301-695-7660 • frederickwgc.org

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