We Care, We Share, We Impact

This story is part of our Transforming Together series, which highlights 20 key moments in our Foundation’s first 20 years. Read more stories in the series.

At the end of the 20th century, thanks to increased income and education, women had capacity like never before. They had gained control over their finances and, consequently, their philanthropy.

The result was the emergence of women’s giving circles. Across the country, women gathered to discuss how they could make their communities better through collective philanthropy. The circles gave members the opportunity to make a greater impact while spending time with friends and learning more about community needs.

In 2006, the Community Foundation joined this trend and established its own Women’s Giving Circle. What started with just a handful of members has grown to more than 150 members strong with an endowment of nearly $500,000 that pays out every year to support local nonprofits.

“Together we care, we share and we significantly impact the important needs in the Dubuque region,” says founding member Jeanne Lauritsen. “We are women of all ages, from all walks of life with a vision for our community’s future: improving the lives of women and children.”

Studies show that donors who participate in giving circles give more strategically and are more knowledgeable about their communities. The Women’s Giving Circle is no exception. Members gather to learn about community challenges and area nonprofits—and then use this knowledge to inform their grantmaking.

Since it was established, the Women’s Giving Circle has granted $140,000 to more than 50 organizations in the Dubuque region working to remove barriers to opportunity and create bridges to self-sufficiency.

For nonprofits, a Women’s Giving Circle grant can make a significant impact on their programs — and on the people they serve.

“Our grant from the Women’s Giving Circle enabled us to provide women in need with clothes as they seek new jobs and start new lives,” says Gwen Kirchhof, executive director of Almost Home’s Open Closet Program, a 2019 grant recipient. “This grant is about women helping other women and children. It’s such a good fit for us.”

The group also makes an impact on its members. It’s an opportunity to gather with fellow community-minded women, build friendships and do good.

“Groups like the Women’s Giving Circle inspire positivity in the community and encompass the spirit of taking care of one another,” says member and past president Mimi Vaassen. “As a group, we build connections among people from many different backgrounds and make Dubuque a better place for everyone to live.