Women's giving circle spreads charitable funds around region

A group of Harrisburg-area women is embracing an increasingly popular model of philanthropy that gives them greater control over how their charitable dollars are spent.

The Ladies' Half women's giving circle was launched this fall. Circle members contribute money to the circle and then decide

how to use their pooled resources to help nonprofits. The concept of giving circles is catching on nationwide - especially among women - as donors look for ways to achieve more impact and empowerment from their charitable giving. There are at least 400 circles operating around the country, according to the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers in Washington, D.C. That's up from 220 circles a couple of years ago.

"A lot of women want to get connected and give back to the community," said Arlene Wickens, a founding member of The Ladies' Half.

The circle represents a merger of sorts between two groups of women. Wickens and a couple of other women were trying to form a giving circle when they found out about a group doing service projects under the name The Ladies' Half. The groups decided to merge their efforts under that name.

Each member of the giving circle is required to contribute at least $225 each year. Late each year, the group will convene to decide how to dispense the collected money. Membership is not limited by geographic boundaries, but the group's charitable activities will be focused on small organizations in the mid-state, Wickens said.

The Ladies' Half operates in partnership with The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. The Harrisburgbased foundation provides administrative-support services to the circle, including accounting and collecting membership dues.

The circle has sparked interest among many potential members, Wickens said. A Nov. 9 event designed to introduce women to the idea attracted about 45 people.

"I do see it really taking off," Wickens said.

Giving circles have been a hit in other areas of the region, too. A women's giving circle started a few years ago in partnership with the York County Community Foundation has more than 80 members. The group has committed about $250,000 in grants to various programs in the county, including diversity initiatives, leadership initiatives and beautification efforts, said Susan Barry, the foundations president. Members typically contribute $1,000 per year to the circle.

The circle is much more than a chance for women to socialize, Barry said. The group gives women the opportunity to increase their philanthropic knowledge because they must do a lot of research before deciding how to most effectively spend their funds.

Some giving circles are designed to help specific organizations. Hospice of Lancaster County's women's giving circle has 39 members who each contribute $500 per year to fund programs related to end-of-life care. These programs have included a conference on pediatric palliative care and a handbook for people providing care to hospice patients.

"There really is an empowerment on the part of the group," said Bonnie Jess Lopane, the hospice's vice president of development and community relations. "It's had some far-reaching effects."

The number of giving circles continues to grow. The Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers believes that its data underestimates the prevalence of circles nationwide, said Daria Teutonico, a forum representative. That's because many circles operate informally.

"We think (our figure) represents the tip of the iceberg," Teutonico said. Want to get involved?

The Ladies' Half has scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 11 at The Daily Grind Cafe at 5103 Carlisle Pike in Hampden Township. Visit www.theladieshalf.org for more details.

For more information on giving circles operating in this area and nationwide, check out:

* York County Community Foundation: www.yccf.org

* Hospice of Lancaster County: www.hospiceoflancaster.org

* Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers: www.givingforum.org/givingcircles