Greenville Women Giving
/OVERVIEW: GWG is a women’s giving circle that supports Greenville County, South Carolina-area groups working in the areas of arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services. It makes grants once per year.
IP TAKE: This is one of the larger and most influential women’s giving circles in the Southeast. Grant seekers should get to know the board of directors to understand how grants are given out.
PROFILE: Greenville Women Giving (GWG) is a women’s giving circle based in Greenville, South Carolina. It is a special initiative of the Community Foundation of Greenville and a member of the Women's Collective Giving Grantmakers Network. GWG was founded in 2006 based on the vision of Harriet Goldsmith and is open for membership to women who can commit to donating $1,200 per year for three years. There are over 500 women in this organization. Topics of interest for GWG include arts and culture, education, environment, health, and human services.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Arts and culture grants are focused on access and appreciation of the arts and incorporating them into multidisciplinary programs. Grants awarded by year can be viewed here.
Grants for Higher Education, Early Childhood Education, and K-12 Education
GWG's education grants support programs that increase access to quality education and job training. Early childhood through higher education programs are considered. Grants awarded by year can be viewed here.
Grants for Environment
Environment grants seek to protect the region’s natural areas, teach conservation, and improve outdoor parks. Grants awarded by year can be viewed here.
Grants for Public Health and Access
Health grants support access to healthcare for everyone and ways to avoid unhealthy lifestyles. Finally, human services grants address community inequities and basic needs like food, clothing, safety. Grants awarded by year can be viewed here.
Important Grant Details
Grants largely range from $50,000 to $100,000. Grants are typically awarded once per year to nonprofits that are either located in or that serve the citizens of Greenville County. Since 2007, GWG has awarded over $4.8 million in grants. In recent years, the grant application period has opened in October, followed by a couple of information sessions, with a deadline around the first of December. Awards are typically made at the annual meeting in May.
The giving circle regularly hosts events on topics like foster care and recyclable materials. There are usually around 27 board members, including multiple co-chairs and a grants review committee. GWG has a goal to raise $5 million for its endowment by 2026, but contributions to the endowment are not a requirement of giving circle membership. The group’s primary goal is to return members’ donations to the community in the same year they are given.
General questions can be directed to the board via online form or to 864-361-1393. The funder’s mailing address is 630 E. Washington Street, Suite A, Greenville, South Carolina 29601. Keep up with giving circle news here.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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