Giving Circles are a new trend in philanthropy where women pool their resources, typically time, talent and money, to promote social change. Giving Circles allow women to engage in meaningful activities that benefit the community. The first Giving Circle was formed in 2007 at the Community Foundation and they call themselves the Leading Ladies.

The Leading Ladies Giving Circle is comprised of community-minded women who want to make a difference and who seek a deeper understanding of social causes and issues. The Leading Ladies are funded from the generosity of individual members. Each member contributes the same amount of money to the Circle annually. In return, the pooled resources enable the Circle to make a greater impact than would have been possible with smaller contributions.

Laura Swift is a member of the Leading Ladies and says she loves the symbolism; “a circle of beautiful, powerful women coming together and checking their egos at the door to create positive change.”

To date, the Leading Ladies have made grants to the following nonprofit organizations: Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley to support the expansion of weekend programs, Douglas Park Project to ensure women living at its facility have furnished apartments, Vera French Community Support Program to purchase a washer and dryer to enable the less fortunate to wash their clothes, and Family Resources, to purchase Christmas gifts for residents.

To join the Leading Ladies or to form your own Giving Circle, contact us and we can provide you with materials to get started.