What is the Fairfield County Foundation Women’s Giving Circle?

The FCF Women’s Giving Circle, a component fund of the Fairfield County Foundation, is a volunteer led, and member managed giving circle whose mission is to connect, invest and inspire hope for youth and women in Fairfield County by awarding grants to local non-profits.  No volunteering, no event planning, no silent auction donations to solicit.  Through collaboration and relationships developed in the circle, we can have a greater impact than we might otherwise have alone.

A Few Simple Rules:

We will meet 3 times per year, from 5-7pm, at Ale House 1890:  

o   September 16, 2026

o   February 17, 2027

o   May 19, 2027

·We each contribute $100 per meeting, or you can write a check for the entire year, preferred, for $300.  This is an annual gift of $300.  Members can write a check for more than $300 and additional funds will go towards our endowment.

·We will draw names of local charities at each meeting.  Three will be selected for presentations at the next meeting.  The Member who nominated the group will introduce their respective, nominated charity before the presentation.

·By ballot, the group will vote, and the majority rules.  Only members in good standing are eligible to vote.  Guests are not permitted to vote.

·No national charities will be considered; however, local branches of national charities are eligible for consideration.  The purpose is for 100% of the contribution to stay in the Fairfield County area.

·Only three charities will be presented at each meeting.

YOUR $100 INVESTMENT PER MEETING:

·25% will be invested in the Women’s Giving Circle Endowment Fund, set up at the Fairfield County Foundation

·Approximately $5,000 will be awarded to the local nonprofit organization who takes the majority vote.

·$500 will be awarded to the remaining two charities.

As stated in our mission—through collaboration and relationships developed in the circle, we can have a greater impact than we might otherwise have alone. We want to make the greatest impact that we can, while serving as many as we can and as a member, you are included in this. Please actively do your part so we can continue to make positive changes in Fairfield County through the Women’s Giving Circle!

Who are we hearing from at our next meeting?

September 16, 2026: Charity Newsies, AHA!, United Way of Fairfield County

DUES

By Check: Mail or drop-off a check at the Fairfield County Foundation located at 162 E. Main St. Lancaster, OH 43130. Checks should be made out to ‘Fairfield County Foundation’ with ‘Women’s Giving Circle’ in the memo line.

Online: https://fairfieldcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1419

Any other questions?

Contact Sarah Stoughton LeMay, Development Officer at sstoughton@fairfieldcountyfoundation.org or call our office at 740-654-8451.