Women of philanthropy

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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Mentors change lives of nontraditional students By MELODY PARKER melody.parker@wcfcourier.com

Christine Smith had tried college several times. Life always seemed to get in the way, and studies took a back seat. At 28, she decided to give it another go, enrolling at Hawkeye Community College. That’s where the nontraditional student received an invitation from HCC President Linda Allen to join the Women-to-Women Career Mentoring program, a joint project with Cedar Valley United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Connection and HCC. Determined to succeed, Smith jumped at the chance and was paired with a mentor, Jaclyne Heller, account manager at KWWL-TV. “It was a good opportunity to stay focused and get some professional feedback. Jaclyne is inspiring and has a great attitude. She has an amazing network of people she knows in the community. If I was curious about something, she knew someone in that field or business that I could connect with. That helped inspire me and kept me on track,” Smith said. The program began in January 2011 through the Women’s Philanthropy Connection, an organization open to women who give at least $1,000 annually to Cedar Valley United Way. It was started as a way for members to give back to the community on a level beyond their monetary contributions, said Program Coordinator Cheryl Einsweiler. Sixty-three percent of the program’s mentors have been WPC members. A total of 52 pairings have been made since 2011, roughly 15 pairings a year. Mentees ranged in age from 19 to 63. “The program is a true partnership between Hawkeye and Cedar Valley United Way’s WPC. We are funded by CVUW through a grant that expires June 30, and we hope to write for a renewal of that grant some time next year,” Einsweiler said. Mentors are paired with non-

Courtesy photo

Cheryl Einsweiler is Women-to-Women Career Mentoring program coordinator.

Linda Allen

Nancy Henderson

traditional female students to help them achieve their career goals. The program gives students guidance and support to improve their lives. Mentors also direct their mentees to resources in the community. “Talking with a woman who has ‘been there and done that,’ who has had a successful career and life, helps mentees see possibilities in their own lives, futures and careers and make connections. It helps them develop life skills and translate their education into opportunities, as well as explore different career options. These students need someone objective to talk to, and we’ve found that ‘How does my resume stack up against someone else?’ and ‘How do I apply for a job?,’ were among

questions these women asked the most,” Einsweiler said. Mentors receive training to learn how the program works. Mentees learn that mentors are not tutors, for example, and the “Bridges Out of Poverty” manual introduces mentors to obstacles mentees might experience. Nancy Henderson, HCC dean of students, said the college is excited about being involved. “Sometimes nontraditional students are hesitant to come back to school. They feel they can’t compete with younger people, and it can be unnerving to step back into a school setting. This program provides mentoring to these women and helps them overcome concerns and barriers to pursuing their education,” Henderson said. Mentors encourage women to find ways to stay in school and look to the future. “When you see someone who wasn’t at all sure about returning to school get involved in the program and experience success, figure out her path and become excited about her next steps after leaving Hawkeye, that’s so heartening

and wonderful to see,” Henderson explained. HCC President Linda Allen, who serves on the WPC board, is passionate about the mentoring program. “You hear about how students have benefited from this relationship. It’s a great way to network with a professional woman and see what a career looks like. This is a really important opportunity for Hawkeye Community College that is going to grow and expand. Hopefully students will carry this forward and come back and mentor in the future.” Heller learned about the program through a Cedar Valley United Way email and volunteered. “My role was to offer encouragement, ideas for career options and internships, and connect her with people in career and business areas she was interested in. I was glad to encourage her and be a resource for her. She’s very sharp and intelligent and headed in the right direction in her career,” Heller said. The pair met in person monthly and exchanged frequent emails.

Their pairing ended in May after Smith graduated and transferred to Wartburg College in Waverly, where she is combining her love for writing and science. But they expect to stay in touch. “I want to know how she’s doing down the road, what is going on in her life and career,” Heller said. Cedar Valley United Way President Sheila Baird described the support, encouragement and focus a mentor can give as a “game changer. When you see someone able to stay in school and get a job they want or move on to a four-year degree, it changes everything — economic status, financial stability, self-esteem and their future. There’s generational impact, too, because many of these women have children.” So far, Baird has mentored two HCC female students. “Both were good experiences. It’s probably the best use of volunteer hours I’ve ever done.” For more program information, contact Einsweiler at cmkjeins@ mchsi.com or 988-3030 or Baird at sheila.baird@cvuw.org or 2356211 ext. 21.

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Dave Vandeventer

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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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Giving spirit Women’s Philanthropy Connection makes Cedar Valley a better place For the Courier

They say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to strengthen a community — to make sure everyone receives a quality education, can meet their basic needs and has the tools to build a financially stable future. For 90 years, Cedar Valley United Way has been working with people and organizations to ensure that everyone has the building blocks for a good life. Nearly $100 million has been put to work in the Cedar Valley, making this a healthier, stronger place to live and work.

Dee Vandeventer, after serving as chairperson of the 2005 Cedar Valley United Way campaign, realized there was more work to be done. Knowing that needs exceeded means, Vandeventer, with the support of United Way President Sheila Baird, called upon her friend Sharon Juon to organize a women’s giving initiative. Vandeventer and Juon both served on Iowa State’s Women and Philanthropy committee and experienced firsthand the impact of creating such a group.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Dee Vandeventer, left, and Sharon Juon were founders of the Women’s Philanthropy Connection through See WOMEN, page 4 Cedar Valley United Way.

Celebrating years of

5

IMPACT

Women in our community have joined together to strengthen the Cedar Valley. Their efforts are making a real impact on lives of people here in our community. Join us and help make our community stronger for the future.

2013 Annual Meeting

JOIN US: Interested in becoming part of United Way’s Women’s Philanthropy Connection? Fill out this form and mail to Cedar Valley United Way, 425 Cedar St., Suite 300, Waterloo, IA 50701 or email us at unitedway@cvuw.org. NAME

Women’s Philanthropy Connection Board

WPC Inaugural Members

Cedar Valley United Way CedarValleyUnitedWay.org

Dr. Linda Allen, Sheila Baird, Stacey Bentley, Dawn Duven, Cheryl Einsweiler, Angie Fuller, Hope Goering, Maureen Hanson, Angie Johanningmeier, Nancy Post, Lisa Schmitz, Christine Twait & Dee Vandeventer

ADDRESS

CITY

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

ZIP

 Please contact me with more information about the WPC.  I would like to join the WPC. Please contact me.

Cedar Valley United Way Women’s Philanthropy Connection


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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Cedar Valley United Way board of directors ■ Vicki Grimes, chairperson ■ Cynthia Bottrell — community volunteer — Hawkeye Community College ■ Sharon Juon, vice chairperson ■ Curt Cline — Iowa Northland Regional —John Deere Waterloo Operations Council of Governments ■ Dale Cyphert — University of Northern Iowa ■ Steve Abbott, secretary ■ Cary Darrah — Qwest Communications, — Cedar Valley TechWorks Black Hawk Union Council ■ Holly Dusenbery ■ Sue Armbrecht, treasurer — Cedar Valley Nonprofit Assn. — MidWestOne Bank ■ Dawn Duven ■ Kane Fairman, — community volunteer past chairperson ■ Wayne Frost — UPS — community volunteer ■ Samantha Barrett ■ Doug Gilbertson — John Deere — Veridian Credit Union Waterloo Operations ■ Rick Gorman ■ David Braton — John Deere Waterloo — publisher, The Courier Operations

■ Quentin Hart ■ Gary Norris ■ Joe Vich — Waterloo City Council, ■ Ray Richardson — Community National Bank Hawkeye Community College — Jesse Cosby ■ Jason Witham ■ Nick Hildebrandt Neighborhood Center —Witham Auto Centers — StruXture Architects ■ Megan Zuniga ■ Chris Hyers ■ Ryan Sheridan — John Deere — Wheaton Franciscan Health — Liberty Bank Waterloo Operations System ■ Beth Knipp Black Hawk Gaming Association Little ■ Mark — Metropolitan Transit Authority ■ Mare Madsen-Schmidt Cedar Falls City Council and Art Store & More ■ Rose Middleton — community volunteer ■ Meagan Miller — Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo

WOMEN

individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program reached 175 people and prompted Veridian Credit Union to offer the training for its employees. WPC hosted its first educational event in fall 2011. More than 270 people heard guest speaker Kathy LeMay, one of the country’s most respected and acclaimed speakers on philanthropy. The second educational event, in fall 2012, featured Jane Justis, daughter of local philanthropist Ike Leighty and a leader in the area of family philanthropy. The board in 2013 expanded WPC membership from those giving at the $1,000 level to include women 40 years of age and younger giving at the Emerging Leaders level. This expansion provided greater opportunities to mentor young women as they begin their philanthropic journey. Today, the WPC has grown to 262 members who last year contributed more than 13 percent of Cedar Valley United Way’s campaign. The hope for WPC’s future is to continue growing in members and community involvement to be a strong asset for Cedar Valley United Way.

From page 3

Women throughout history have played a vital role in leading local communities by identifying and meeting the most pressing needs. United Ways across the country have always harnessed the power and leadership of women to create community change and to inspire others to take similar action. Juon, Vandeventer and Baird’s vision was to create the same opportunity for women in the Cedar Valley to inspire community change. In fall 2007, the trio visited with members of other successful United Way women’s initiatives across the country. Through a series of meetings, they developed the mission, vision and name — the Women’s Philanthropy Connection. The name focused on three important areas: Women, the giving of funds and distribution of funds and connecting with the community, other women’s initiatives and organizations to make the Cedar Valley a better place. The WPC’s inaugural meeting in April 2008 saw the ini-

tiation of 51 founding women. A board of directors was soon formed, and the group began work identifying a project to enable the WPC to fulfill the volunteer element of its mission. The board utilized United Way’s community assessment and polling of its members to give focus to the project. Recognizing education as a road out of poverty, the board connected with Hawkeye Community College’s Women’s Resource Center to jointly create the Women to Women Career Mentoring Program. The program’s primary goal was identified as assisting nontraditional female students attending HCC attain their career goals and paths they hope to pursue. The program plans began taking shape in 2010 and was readied for the first pairing of mentors and mentees in March 2011. To date, 52 mentor/mentee pairings have participated, and 21 mentees have graduated. To further educate the community about poverty, the Women’s Philanthropy Connection has twice hosted events based on the book “Bridges Out of Poverty.” “Bridges” is a nationally recognized workshop that provides key lessons and knowledge in dealing with

Congrats ngrats on five years of helping ping take United ted Way to new heights. Keep generating those electrifying results. 6711 CHANCELLOR DRIVE CEDAR FALLS, IOWA 50613 T E L 319.268.9151 W E B MEandV.com


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WPC member spotlight: What it means to be philanthropic ■ Women’s Philanthropy Connection member Jill Hanus tells her story. For the Courier

Jill Hanus is a five-year Women’s Philanthropy Connection member and a long-time United Way donor at the silver level. She also is a mentor who this year ended up teaching physics to her mentee. We asked Hanus about her philanthropy and support for United Way.

Q. What or who was the catalyst to becoming philanthropic? A. “Philanthropic” is an

awfully big word. I have never thought of myself as a philanthropist, but I do strongly believe in giving of what I have to help those who are in need. I think we all have a desire to do our part to make the world a better place. For me, giving financially is a way I can do this. I recently retired, and prior to my retirement I was not able to commit the time to do a significant amount of volunteer work, but I was able to volunteer my money.

I am sure there were times that there wasn’t much money in the bank, but they still believed in tithing to the church, as well as supporting the local community.

the Cedar Valley a better place to live for everyone.

Q. Why did you choose United Way, and what have you seen come to fruition from your support combined with others in the community?

A. There is no better time to start being philanthropic than today. It is easy to think that someday when I have more time I will volunteer more, or that when I make more money I will give more. But each day the things we do are gradually becoming habits. If we begin giving when we have a little, we will be in the habit of giving when we have more. It doesn’t matter if you are only able to give a small amount. The important thing is to start a habit of giving.

A. If you want to impact the world positively, it seems natural to me to start close to home. United Way is one of the most Q. What has been your philan- effective means of supporting thropic journey? the needs of the local community. I fully support their A. My parents set a very good emphasis on income, health example of being givers. We and education. were a family of modest means. Income and health are foun-

Q. Is there anything else you would like to tell prospective WPC members?

Jill Hanus dational to quality of life, and education programs can proactively help end the cycle of poverty. Together we can make

A personal philanthropy philosophy makes giving more gratifying For the Courier

When we decide to set aside a budget for philanthropy, it completely changes our emotions about giving. We now are grateful for the privilege of having more than we need and for the ability to act quickly when our gift can make a difference. Are you taking time to consider every donation request you receive? Do you expect giving to be more satisfying than it is? Are you wondering about the lasting impact of your gift? Making decisions about where to direct your charitable gifts is more fulfilling if you have a plan to make these important choices. Clarify what is important to you, then use that understanding to guide your giving. ■ What issues or populations are important to you? What are your top three? This may change over time to include issues or organizations your family is involved with because of life stage. Examples include supporting the school while your children are enrolled or supporting a senior center where a grandparent is served.

■ What are your top three values? The list of values is long and includes acceptance, creativity, dignity, equality, healing, honesty, independence, innovation, justice, opportunity, preservation, respect, service, simplicity, trust and others. ■ What is the relationship between your values and the issues that are important to you? Your answer might be, “I value acceptance, and acceptance of the elderly is important to me.” Support organizations or events that promote awareness and acceptance of the elderly. If your answer is, “I value healing,” look for organizations that promote finding cures for diseases affecting your friends and family. ■ How broadly do you want your gift to reach? Would fewer, larger gifts have more impact? Would more — though smaller — gifts fulfill your charitable goals? ■ Which projects, events and organizations are doing work that aligns with my values? Take this understanding and develop a giving plan.

Share the conversation about values and issues with your partner or spouse and develop a joint plan. This also is an excellent exercise to share with children so the whole family learns about values, issues and decisionmaking. Narrow down the type of issues and organizations you want to support. Research may be needed to determine need and impact of the organization.

Develop a budget Use your budget to make decisions and track your contributions throughout the year. Having a budget and sticking to it will stretch your charitable gifts and help you decline donation requests that are not part of your budget. “I’m sorry that we will not be supporting your important project this year” is something you should be able to say without guilt. Payroll deductions may simplify how you implement your philanthropic budget. Or, you may like the act of writing a check in response to an appeal or contributing at an event. Each method of giving achieves the same result in the end.

Consider the tax benefits of charitable contributions and seek your accountant’s advice on the impact of your gifts on your tax liability. Through the implementa-

tion of the plan, you will learn more about the organizations you support. Your involvement may go beyond financial support to include volunteering and advocacy.

Women’s Philanthropy Connection

Congratulations on your anniversary!

Cedar Falls • Waterloo MidWestOne.com • (800) 247-4418 Member FDIC


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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Women’s Philanthropy Connection members

Shannon Adams

Kathy Agnes

Sarah Albertson-Corkery

Linda Allen

Sue Armbrecht

Sheila Baird

Samantha Barrett

Jan Bearbower

“How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world.” — Anne Frank Stacey Bentley

Cheryl Braton

Whitney Bullock

Gloria Clough

Carmel Coleman

Ronelle Crews

Dale Cyphert

Cary Darrah

Betty DeBerg

Leslie DeGroote

Julie Brunscheon

Sara Budan

Jill DeVries

Brenda Durbahn

Ann Lyons Dawn Duven

Cheryl Einsweiler

Karma Fisher

Tammy Fleming

Denise Flory

Angeleita Floyd

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Heidi Fordyce

Sandy Formanek

Barb Frost

Angie Fuller

Hope Goering

Vicki Grimes

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Andrea Grube

Leslie Hager

Mary-Margaret Halverson

Rebecca Halverson

Maureen Hanson

Jill Hanus

Congratulations on your 5 Year Anniversary.


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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Women’s Philanthropy Connection members

Donna Harmon

Amy Hartman

Pam Hayes

Glenda Hellenthal

Nancy Henderson

Tanya Higgins

Sally Hollis

Andrea Holst

Gail Huser

Terri Jackson

Linda Jacoby

Angie Johanningmeier

Britt Jungck

Sharon Juon

Michele Kaiser

Gale Keys

Kelly Knott

Joanne Koweil

Joni Krejchi

Jessica Krogh

Kathy Lee

Lisa Levedusky

Nancy Lind

Rose Lorenz

Sandra Lynn

Ann Lyons

Kari McCann

Michele McCann

Elizabeth McCoy

Rose Middleton

Congratulations for Megan Miller

Mary Ellen Molinaro

Tracy Mudd

Mary Mumm

Donna Nelson

Angela Nieto

years of

EMPOWERING

WOMEN

in the Cedar Valley! Kim Normoyle

Miriam Ohrt

Sarah Parsons

Vicki Parsons

Michelle Pashan

Gloria Paulson

319.236.5600 • www.veridiancu.org Dorothy Plager

Allison Plunkett

Nancy Post

Barbara Prather

Chelley Pratt

April Ramsey


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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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cvbusinessmonthly.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Women’s Philanthropy Connection members

Bari Richter

Debbie Robeson

Michell Rourke

Flo Schall

Lisa Schmitz

Barb Scoles

Deb Shoopman

Nancy Showers

Louize Smart

Christine Smith

Shelly Smith

Karen Stubbe

Sujatha Subramani

Mitzi Tann

Michelle Temeyer

Bridget Tierney

Billie Jo Timm

Annette Tolander

Jean Trainor

Christine Twait

Dee Vandeventer

Barb Walker

Nancy Weber

Janet Willett

Tara Witham

Heather Wycoff

Cathy Young

Kim Kent Young

Megan Zuniga

Karen Zwanzinger

WPC members not pictured Jolan Adams Liz Albrecht Jeanne Allbaugh Patricia Allen Nancy Bamsey Patricia Beck Rebecca Berg Becky Bertch Jacqueline Betts Dr. Roberta Bodensteiner Sandi Brennan Anne Britson Carol Brown Judith Brown Rachelle Brown

Ruth Buck Karen Buerkle Judy Burfeind Tamarra Byrd Susan Carskadon Marci Carter Karla Casterton Amy Challgren Marla Channer Chienching Chen Mary Christ Denise Clark-Burke Nancy Colwell Amy Conkling Chelsi Converse

Mary Cook Molly Cormaney Deedra Dahlager Jan Deaver Blanche Devoll Sheila Dickey Jessica Douglas Carol Driver Dr. Sharon Duclos Holly Dusenbery Donita Dust Lara Earnest Angela Edgington Dee Ann Fairman Amy Fay Victor


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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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Get children involved with philanthropy PAT BECK WPC member

Introducing children to the values of charity can become a hallmark of your child’s early years. Nurturing habits of charity launches a cycle of giving that benefits others and builds confidence, generosity, compassion and gratitude in the giver. Opportunities to create a culture of generosity in the family are all around us. Here are seven ways to begin: Volunteer as a family. Invite your child’s friends to volunteer.

1. 2.

Together, select a gift or perform a service for the child’s school, library or other place the child values. This can become a cherished annual tradition.

3.

Point out charitable action when you see it in the child and in others and note the feelings involved. Encourage gratitude for the gifts and kindness the child receives from others within the family and outside the family. Offer to match a financial gift that the child may have saved so their gift becomes the “seed” for a larger gift. Have cups or envelopes into which an allowance is sorted for savings, sharing and spending. The child then has something to share when a cause is appropriate. Help your high school student organize a fundraising event or an

4. 5. 6. 7.

event that brings attention to a charity of their choice. Use the theme of interdependence and generosity to guide the selection of books for reading in your home or to give as gifts: ■ “The Giving Tree,” Shel Silverstein, preschool to grade three. This memorable story follows the changing interdependence of a tree and a boy through stages of the lives of both. Available at the Cedar Falls Public Library and Waterloo Public Library and most public libraries. ■ “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughers,” John Steptoe, preschool to grade three. Two daughters reveal their true dispositions through their interactions with others. Available through the Cedar Valley Library Consortium. ■ “The Present,” Bob Gill, preschool to grade two.

A timeless tale of spontaneous generosity. Available at the Waterloo Public Library. ■ “Ivy Loves to Give,” Freya Blackwood, preschool. Ivy loves to give, even if the gift is not appropriate. Available at the Waterloo Public Library. ■ “The Legend of Freedom Hill,” Linda Jacobs Altman, grades one to four. Girls cooperate to buy the freedom of one girl’s mother. The setting is the gold rush. ■ “Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen,” Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan, grades one to three. A boy learns about the soup kitchen through guests and workers. Available through the Cedar Valley Library Consortium. ■ “Kid’s Guide To Service Projects,” Barbara A. Lewis, Grades three and up. Available through the Cedar Valley Library

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Consortium. ■ “Kid’s Guide To Social Action,” Barbara A. Lewis, Grades four to eight. Available through Cedar Valley Library Consortium. ■ “Something Beautiful,” Sharon Dennis Wyeth, preschool to grade two. A little girl looks for beauty in her neighborhood and finds it in her relationships with others. Her search for something beautiful leaves her much happier. Available in the Cedar Valley Library Consortium and the Waterloo Public Library Youth Department. ■ “Beatrice’s Goat,” Page McBrier, preschool to grade three. Beatrice receives the gift of a goat that helps her give to others. Available in the Cedar Valley Library Consortium and the Waterloo Public Library Youth Department.


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WOMEN OF PHILANTHROPY

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SUBMITTED PHOTO

Members of the the Women’s Philanthropy Connection at their most recent annual meeting.

Women’s Philanthropy Connection helps women to give and volunteer For The Courier

WHO WE ARE: The Women’s Philanthropy Connection is an organization of Cedar Valley United Way, founded in 2008 to help grow Cedar Valley United Way and grow women’s philanthropy. The WPC empowers women and grows philanthropy and volunteerism. OUR MISSION: Helping women express their philanthropic passion through education, mentoring and volunteering OUR PROJECTS: WPC members support the following

projects through philanthropy and service: ■ Women-to-Women Career Mentoring Program at Hawkeye Community College ■ Annual educational events for the community ■ Networking events that bring women together HOW TO JOIN: Any woman with an annual household giving of $1,000 or more to Cedar Valley United Way and any woman 40 and under with an annual household giving of $500 or more to Cedar Valley United Way may join. If you are interested in joining the

Women’s Philanthropy Connection, please contact Cedar Valley United Way at 235-3211 or unitedway@cvuw.org. HEAR MORE FROM OUR MEMBERS: The Women’s Philanthropy Connection has established a speakers bureau whose goal is to share the history, vision and projects supported by the WPC with other Cedar Valley women’s organizations. Any organization wishing to learn more should contact Cedar Valley United Way president Sheila Baird, Sheila. Baird@cvuw.org to schedule a short presentation.

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Women have a unique approach to philanthropy By DEE VANDEVENTER ME&V Fundraising Advisors WPC co-founder and board chairwoman

John Gray was spot on when he wrote “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.” Women and men are two different planets, and that’s especially so when it comes to philanthropy. Women donate on average twice as much to chariDee ties as men and Vandeventer make three times as many contributions. Women are increasingly seen as the donating decision-makers within households as well; only 84 percent of women, compared to 92 percent of men, stated their spouse is an influence when choosing how much to give and where. According to a study conducted by the Center for Women’s Business Research, 47 percent of women vs. 39 percent of men believe giving is a moral obligation. Women and men differ in char-

Impact a cause Ten ways to have an impact on the charitable causes you believe in without spending a dime. 1. Volunteer. 2. Wear a t-shirt promoting the organization’s cause or events. 3. Advocate for the organization in your circle of friends, co-workers and circle of influence. 4. Organize a drive to collect items for charity (school supplies, canned goods, hygiene supplies, mittens, metal, junk cars). 5. Participate in asking others for financial support. 6. Use social media sites to promote a cause, value, event, issue or organization. 7. Serve on a community panel to advise the organization. 8. Offer to speak about the cause, event, issue or organization at social and educational meetings. 9. Send a letter to the editor highlighting how the organization meets needs. 10. Introduce the organization to other volunteers, advocates and donors.

itable choices as well. Women typically enjoy challenge grants and matching gifts as a way to ensure their donations match the interests of others. Women primarily support philanthropies for the needs of children, education, health and other women-related causes. Female donors choose philanthropies that promote diversity, support the arts and benefit the environment. They also choose causes that provide economic opportunities for all. Women inherit an astounding 70 percent of all estates. Women, on average, live seven years longer than men, so many husbands will end up leaving their estates to their wives. Because of longer life spans, planned gifts from women are often larger than planned gifts from men. Age can be a factor. Each generation of women has evolved into its own type of giver. ■ Women in their 20s are difficult to recruit as loyal donors, and many cease giving within the first year of donations. ■ Women in their 30s and 40s

are seen as the beginnings of a loyal donor. They are becoming financially stable at this point in their lives and are willing to continue giving for longer periods. ■ Women in their 50s find empowerment in giving but are more likely to add restrictions to their donations. This age group associates responsibility and accountability when giving. ■ Women in their 60s choose nonprofits to create social change. They see giving as a personal and selfless act, and are more likely to give in honor of or in memory of others. ■ Women in their 70s are influenced by their passions and interests when choosing philanthropies to support. They are less interested than other women in being recognized for their efforts. ■ Women in their 80s usually donate to the same causes their husbands support, as they are less likely to view the money as “theirs.” In women’s philanthropy, volunteering is equal to giving. Women want to be connected to their contribution and find it

Thank You, WPC Volunteers and Donors. You made this dream a reality. Here’s to many more years of good work.

Hall, Holly. “Females in Late 30s Make Loyal Donors, Study Finds”. The Chronicle of Philanthropy. June 4,2009. “Philanthropy and Gender: Not Your Mother’s Bake Sale”. Association of Fundraising Professionals - AFP. January 2010. http://www.afpnet.org. Swank, Katherine. “’Fem-anthropy’: References: Women’s Philanthropic Giving Patterns “Gender Differences in Giving”. Advancing Philanthropy. September/October and Objectives”. Advancing Philanthropy. March/April 2010. 2009.

more meaningful to tie donated time to their investment. Women are no longer just about planning galas and bake sales. They are putting real money into making real change.

because it’s about living

You can be his wife again, instead of his caregiver. You and your loved one have the right to live the final months as you wish. The earlier you call, the more we can help.

Sharon Juon & Dee Vandeventer, Founders Sheila Baird, Cedar Valley United Way President

319.272.2002 cvhospice.org facebook.com/ cedarvalleyhospice

Cedar Valley United Way Women’s Philanthropy Connection Helping women express their philanthropic passion through education, mentoring and volunteering.

waterloo . independence . grundy center . waverly . hospice home


Serving Our Community Since 1966, more than 40,000 graduates!

Chri Ch ris is – 20 2006 2006 06 Gradu d ate

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Tiina – 1998 T Tina 1998 19 8 Graduatte

Dian Di ann – 2012 Grad duate atte

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