NEWS: WOMEN'S GROUP SECOND YEAR OF OPERATION CULMINATES IN $15,000 IN GIFTS FOR UTAH WOMEN AND GIRLS

WOMEN’S GROUP’S SECOND YEAR OF OPERATION CULMINATES IN $15,000 IN GIFTS FOR UTAH WOMEN AND GIRLS

Salt Lake City, Utah –– A second round of grants has been made by the Utah Women’s Giving Circle, a two-year old community group formed to fund programs whichstrengthen women in Utah, and grow possibilities for Utah girls.   Inspired to establish the group when they learned that less than 2% of foundation dollars in Utah go to serve women and girls, members leverage small, individual donations into a significant fund and, in turn, invest in programs decided by member vote.

On Saturday, members of Utah Women’s Giving Circle voted to distribute $15,000 to the following groups:

• The American Association of University Women’s e-Smart STEM Camp for Girls, a camp for 7^th grade girls in St. George to explore math, science and related technology;
• Early Head Start at the Horizonte School, a nationally recognized program to provide a comprehensive child and family services for low-income pregnant women and teen moms with infants and toddlers ages birth to three years old; and

• Girl Scouts of Utah’s Camp CEO, a weekend camp for girls which exposes them to powerful female role models and focuses on self-confidence and leadership.

 “What we have done in two short years is a clear testament to the power of collective giving.” said Circle Co-chair Trish Coughlin.

The group has raised over $45,000 in membership and endowed funds since its inception in January 2011, distributing a similar amount last year to grantees Planned Parenthood Teen Success Program, the YWCA Choices for Women Program, and Global Artisans, a refugee self-sufficiency program. 

Membership is designed to be inclusive for women of all ages and incomes: girls 18 and under join for $50; educators, students, seniors, artists, and women who work in the nonprofits can join for $100, and the rate is $250 for all others. In addition to the money raised through membership, an endowment has been established to ensure a strong future for the organization, to which public donations are welcome.

The Community Foundation of Utah is a catalyst for philanthropy that is visionary, diverse, and inclusive. For more information, go to www.utahcf.org, call 801.559.3005, or email Community Foundation of Utah Executive Director, Fraser Nelson at fraser@utahcf.org.