Women’s Giving Circle Hosts Inaugural Meeting, Awards $50,000 in Grants
The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Chautauqua County celebrated a milestone moment with its first-ever Annual Meeting of the Members on July 15, 2025, at the Chautauqua Golf Club. The gathering marked a powerful reflection of collective giving and women-led philanthropy, bringing together members who are committed to building a better future for women and girls in Chautauqua County.
The event’s centerpiece was the announcement of the WGC’s first-ever grant awards. After a full membership vote, $50,000 in funding was split and awarded to two local programs that align with WGC’s 2025 funding priority: Addressing Childcare Scarcity and Access in Chautauqua County.
Grant recipients include:
Caring Beyond Limits – YWCA Jamestown and Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., an initiative expanding access to inclusive, high-quality childcare by supporting providers who serve children with diverse developmental and behavioral needs.
Child Respite Center (Happy Haven) at Healing Word Ministries Church of God, a first-year pilot program offering free, once-weekly drop-off childcare. This program is designed to provide parents with safe, high-quality care while they access vital community services such as job training, parenting classes, and addiction support.
Both programs were awarded one year of funding, and representatives will be invited to speak at the WGC 2026 Annual Meeting to share the impact of the support they’ve received.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event was Lauren Bauer, representing the Erie Women’s Fund, who spoke passionately about the power of collective giving through giving circles and the growing impact of women-led philanthropy. Bauer has been a valued partner throughout the WGC’s inaugural year, generously sharing her time, insights, and expertise.
“This event was a culmination of years of connection, collaboration, and commitment,” shared Jane Cleaver Becker, a founding member of the WGC. “It was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women come together to invest in their community. We hope the impact of collective giving will continue to shine and grow for generations to come.”
The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) of Chautauqua County launched in June 2024 as a member-led philanthropic initiative with a mission to build a better future for women and girls in Chautauqua County. Its members pool resources and experiences to create a greater collective impact in the community. After just one year, the WGC has more than 110 members and continues to grow. Members contribute at least $500 annually with 100% of those funds invested directly into the community through mission-driven grantmaking.
The WGC is an independent, member-led effort hosted by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, which provides administrative and back-office support. This distinction emphasizes the grassroots, community-driven spirit of the Circle. The progress achieved thus far is thanks to the commitment and leadership of the WGC Leadership Team, Grants Committee, and Events Committee.
Looking ahead, the Women’s Giving Circle is focused on offering meaningful opportunities for members to stay engaged through educational and social events. These opportunities are designed to deepen understanding of community needs while strengthening the connections between members.
For more information about the Women’s Giving Circle of Chautauqua County, visit crcfonline.org/circle or contact Lindsey Goold at lgoold@crcfonline.org.
