In our efforts to support and enhance the lives of women and girls, we consider the intersecting negative impacts of poverty, violence, racism, sexism, ableism, and other systemic sources of injustice. We commit to continual listening and critical reflection on our grantmaking, advocacy, and communication, and we strive toward purposeful action to ensure alignment between our values and practices.
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. Watch our video to learn about our impact.
The Women for Women grant program funds projects that improve the lives of women and girls throughout our 18 county region. Learn more about the Women for Women Grant Program.
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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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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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Janet Thatcher
I've been part of Women for Women since 2017 and have found the diversity and expertise of the members outstanding, and therefore, the responsibility of giving back to the community profoundly impactful. Being in the mental health profession all of my career and also being in the shoes of some of the women that are served by WFW, I am pleased that I have another way to give back that is broad based but yet personal.
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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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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.
In August 2020, giving circle members completed a Strategic Planning process, to define Women for Women's roadmap for the next three years. Read a summary of the Strategic Plan.
Women for Women is a member of Philanos, a national network that serves to catalyze the movement of women-powered philanthropy by connecting women’s collective giving grantmaking organizations.
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