Northeast Michigan Women's Giving Circle
Supporting communities. Inspiring philanthropy.
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WGC Awards Grants, Promotes Philanthropy
The Community Foundation is proud to present the Northeast Michigan Women's Giving Circle. This unique initiative is the first of its kind in our communities, serving Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties.
The Northeast Michigan Women's Giving Circle (WGC) encompasses an endowment fund of the same name. The sole purpose of the fund, in addition to inspiring philanthropy, is to provide grants for issues important to women.
One of the most unique aspects of the WGC is that donors to the fund can become directly involved in the grantmaking process if they desire. Each year, five donors to the WGC Fund will be chosen at random from members who have indicated an interest in being involved.
While everyone is welcome to be a member, the WGC is geared toward inspiring the philanthropic spirit we know already exists in women, creating opportunities for them to help their communities for generations to come.
Hats off to the 26 WGC Founding Members! This permanent distinction is for donors who gave a cumulative total of $1,000 or more to the WGC Fund before January 1, 2010. These men and women chose to provide significant support at the ground level of this fund. They truly believe in the potential for the WGC Fund to grow and generate increasingly larger awards.
A donor's first gift the the WGC Fund makes them a permanent member. However, the type of member they wish to become is completely their choice. There are three levels of support:
- Diamond level - $10,000 or more
- Platinum level - $5,000 to $9,999
- Sterling level - $10 to $4,999
Giving levels are based on cumulative totals so members can set their own goals.
Members can also choose to form their own giving circles in conjunction with the WGC.
Social Giving Circle - Members of a social group (i.e., card club, friends, walking group) can choose to start a giving circle, pooling their resources together for the WGC Endowment Fund.
Corporate Giving Circle - Coworkers at a business can form a giving circle as well.
Legacy Circle - Donors who include the WGC Fund in their will or estate plan become members of the Legacy Circle and the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan Legacy Society.