Getting to Know Greenville Women Giving’s Philanthropic Approach in South Carolina

The American Southeast is home to plenty of giving circles that bring women together around shared philanthropic goals. This regional niche includes giving circles managed by the Communities of Coastal Georgia Foundation, Women in Motion of High Point and Greenville Women Giving. Here’s a closer look at the work and approach of Greenville Women Giving (GWG), for South Carolina grantseekers interested in connecting with this large and influential giving circle.

There are five core areas of interest

Like many women’s philanthropy groups around the country, GWG sticks to very specific interest areas in its grant cycles year after year. But although this is a women’s giving circle, not all grants target women’s needs alone.

For example, arts grants are more general, supporting programs that incorporate the arts into multidisciplinary work and expand access to and appreciation for them. Education grants fund lifelong learning and encompass everything from early childhood development through higher education, teacher development and job training. GWG’s environmental focus is all about protecting natural areas and improving parks and recreational opportunities. Health grants promote overall community health, while human services grants address inequities via support for basic needs.

There are over 500 women involved

GWG is one of the largest and most well-established women’s giving circles in the Southeast and has a lot of local influence. There are over 500 women involved with GWG, which has been in operation since 2006 and requires members to donate $1,200 per year for three years.

The organization, which is a special initiative of the Community Foundation of Greenville County, kicked off its 15th season in 2020 by pivoting to virtual gatherings on Zoom. GWG has awarded over $6.5 million through at least 123 grants to local nonprofits since its inception.

GWG grantmaking remains steady

Even through the COVID-19 pandemic, GWG’s giving remained steady, offering local nonprofits at least some peace of mind. In the spring of 2020, the funder awarded $541,844 in grants. These funds were already in hand at that time, which allowed GWG to continue its grantmaking process without interruption.

GWG members have taken the pandemic into account lately while considering grant requests. For example, an increase in sexual abuse and sexual assaults is expected since more people are spending time at home, influencing members’ giving choices. Members have also been interested in conservation efforts at the local zoo, as a longer-term goal for life after the pandemic.

Nonprofit sustainability is a top priority

A prime concern for GWG members is keeping nonprofits sustainable through difficult economic times. For the 2020-2021 giving cycle, GWG plans to give $50,000 grants for terms of one year so that local groups can maintain their operations, develop programs, expand services and boost capacity and efficiency.

Like many funders during COVID-19, GWG has taken a more flexible approach to meet increased service demands and economic strains. However, it is retaining its five main focus areas and plans to award at least one or more grants for each of those topics.

Learn more about GWG and other women-focused funders in the region in IP’s Southeast funding guide.

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