Currituck-Dare Women's Fund
Our beginnings
Women from Currituck and Dare counties began meeting in 2009 to discuss forming a new giving circle. The action to establish the new fund was started by the Currituck-Dare Community Foundation affiliate. As with most other women's funds now established through the NCCF, this group is focused on the needs of women and children. Some participants travel quite a distance to attend programs, so built in time for dinner is included in the social networking.
Our mission and focus
Initiatives that benefit women and families are our current priority. Our focus is to:
- Increase women’s involvement in philanthropy throughout the Currituck and Dare counties
- To improve the lives of women and girls in this geographic region
- To build financial resources to benefit future generations of women and girls
Our approach
Through a collaborative decision-making process involving members, we provide grants to local organizations and programs. All women are invited to participate in our collective endeavor and are given the choice to be “silent” friends or active participants.
Membership and benefits
All members commit to contribute $200 annually. The distribution includes: $150 for the annual grant-making pool; $25 for administrative purposes; and $25 for the statewide Women’s Fund, held by NCCF. All members receive one vote to determine the organizations and programs that will receive annual funding. Iindividual members also have the opportunity to:
- Participate in an organization of women empowering other women
- Help make strategic and informed decisions about philanthropy
- Attend educational meetings and special events
- Network with women who share similar values
- Witness the power of collective support
Grants program overview
A major purpose of the Women Givers of Currituck-Dare is to strengthen the community through the power of the membership’s collective giving. Through a carefully developed and streamlined grants process, our group provides financial support to local programs and services that have a strong impact on critical needs in our community. The years 2009-10 were a time of discovery about the health needs of women and girls in these two counties. Now, in 2011, the women's group is ready to award its first grants. Grants are awarded at an annual celebration event, which gives our community partners and members a chance to reflect on our common concerns and renew our shared commitment to make a positive difference.
Grant applications are now being sought to help address the needs of women and children in general, with an emphasis on health. Grants will range from $500 to $1,500. The application deadline is April 09, 2013. Click here to access the online application system; these grants can be found under the Currituck-Dare affiliate. For more information, email Peggy Birkemeier or call her at 252-491-8166 or 888-375-8115, toll-free.
This is the first gathering of the new Currituck-Dare Women's Fund, which is among the NCCF’s many statewide women’s giving networks across North Carolina.
