Our mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through women’s collective giving. Our vision is to empower women to take action, inspire hope and possibility and strengthen Western North Carolina.
The Women for Women grant program supports the facilitation of safe living and work environments for women and girls. Learn more about the Women for Women Grant Program.
Join us to celebrate Women for Women's 15th year of grant giving at our inaugural Grant Awards Luncheon on May 19th at The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Seely Pavilion. The event will include recognition of our 2020 grantees, success stories from past grantees, celebration of our advocacy efforts, and information about our plans for the future.
Geoff Sidoli, of Mountain Child Advocacy Center, and Manny Ayala, of Our VOICE, will present on behalf of the Partners in Prevention, representing two of the four agencies that received the 2018 Collaborative High Impact Grant. Founding member Chris Dismukes, who joined the giving circle in 2005, will share her story. The Advocacy & Education Committee will highlight their work and successes. WFW member, Kathy Rauch, will share an update of the giving circle’s strategic planning and what is on the horizon for our future.
The luncheon is open to Women for Women members and guests. Reservations will be available online in April through Eventbrite. For more information, contact Tricia Wilson.
Special thanks to our event sponsors:
- Julia Akers
- Janice Brumit
- The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
- Davis Financial Planning
- Carol Deutsch
- Leslie Dressler
- Jennie Eblen
- Jacqui Friedrich of Altavista Wealth Management
- Louise (Luisita) Haas
- Bette Jore
- Kathie Kline
- Pam Lane
- Sue McClinton
- Eleanor Owen
- Emily S. Partin
- Ethel Piper
- The Satori Group Ltd.
- Jayne Schnaars
- Pat Smith
- Spicer Greene Jewelers
- Starks Financial Group
- Summit Search Solutions
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Britt Allen
I joined Women for Women because the concept of pooling my resources with other women to make impactful grants in Western North Carolina is powerful to me. The meaningful connections I’ve made with dynamic, creative, philanthropic women has been an added bonus.
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Jayne Schnaars
The Women for Women Giving Circle has provided me with the perfect opportunity to give back to my new community having relocated here from the west coast. I could not have found a more rewarding role in supporting the women and girls of Western NC through our grants with the ability to see a direct link between my contribution and the impact on the lives of the recipients. I’ll be a member for life!
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Kathy Rauch
I have always believed that women have the power to change the world, and that our work begins in our own communities. Through the Women for Women Giving Circle, I can combine my resources with those of other women philanthropists, to make high-impact grants that truly make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Western NC.
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Louise Glickman
I’ve been a member of Women for Women since its inception. In the beginning, I was new to Asheville and considered it a valuable way to learn about my community and the needs of women and families. Each year has brought new insights, more friendship and increased gratitude to be able to be of service.
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Mary Alm
When I learned about the nearly half-million dollar grant to Buncombe Partners in Prevention, a consortium of four local agencies collaborating to prevent intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and child abuse, I wanted in. The leadership of Women for Women understands the systemic nature of oppression and works to change how our culture treats women and girls. I’m proud to support such an organization with my money and time.
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Mary Farmer
I have long been involved in work around women's health and safety; I found "home" when I joined Women for Women. I'm able to share my experience within the framework of collective giving and community action. This is my first experience with collective giving, I have grown to see its power. Women for Women is respected and our work is known throughout Western North Carolina.
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Pam Aho
I joined Women for Women because the grants that are given stay in Western North Carolina. Women for Women has also given me the opportunity to work with and meet strong young women striving to make life better for so many.
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Pam Lane
I joined Women for Women after attending a Power of the Purse where Jennifer Buffett spoke about the pleasure -- and the challenge -- of effective philanthropy. Collective giving increases the power of my contribution and allows me to make a difference greater than I could make alone.
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Pam Winkler
Women for Women has enabled me to make a greater impact improving the lives of women and girls in WNC. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to see the powerful work of nonprofits in our area and learn about their passionate work with women and girls.
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Sue Fernbach
Through collective giving, Women for Women funds grants that allow women and girls in Western North Carolina to chart a better future. I joined Women for Women because I believe that women are powerful agents of change!
Members Jenny Boyer and Eva Hartman at the 2019 Spring Meeting.
How Women for Women works:
- Members commit to a tax-deductible gift of $1,100 per year for three years.
- Members learn about regional issues affecting women and girls and make high-impact grants that help disadvantaged women.
- Each member has a voice and a vote in how funds are distributed.
- The level of participation in group activities is totally flexible and determined by your interest level and availability.
- Members with the time and interest are welcome to join one of our committees.
The expertise and guidance of key leaders and organizations is sought in Women for Women’s research, grantmaking and educational activities. As a result, each member becomes a more inspired and informed philanthropist.
Already a member? Login to the WFW secure website here.
"Women for Women brings together competent and compassionate women who assist Western North Carolina women and girls in achieving their potential.”
— Jennie Eblen, founding member 2005
To learn more about the Women for Women giving circle, contact Tricia Wilson at 828-367-9919.