Mathews Women's Giving Circle Annual Grant Awards

The Mathews Women's Giving Circle, established in 2018, is a philanthropic initiative under the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond. It was formed by a coalition of like-minded women dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents in Mathews County, Virginia. The Circle promotes both grantmaking and community education, offering a dual-purpose model that supports charitable efforts financially while also raising awareness of pressing local needs. Through its annual Speaker’s Series, the Circle engages with community leaders who provide insights into the current social and economic landscape of Mathews County, thereby fostering informed philanthropic investment. The core mission of the Mathews Women’s Giving Circle is to enhance the wellbeing of women and families in Mathews County. It fulfills this mission by awarding grants each year to eligible nonprofit organizations working in the region. The emphasis on women and families shapes both the types of projects supported and the overall vision of the grant program. Through collective giving, the Circle pools resources from its members to amplify their impact, ensuring a more coordinated and meaningful contribution to community development. Eligibility for grant funding through the Mathews Women’s Giving Circle is limited to organizations that hold 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and operate within Mathews County. The Circle focuses on supporting organizations that directly address community needs in the area. There is no indication of broader eligibility beyond this county-specific requirement, making it a geographically targeted grant opportunity. While specifics around allowable uses of funds are not detailed in the source, the focus on community wellbeing suggests funding may support programs, services, and operations that contribute to the welfare of women and families. The grant process is structured on an annual cycle. Each year, the Circle invites eligible organizations to apply for competitive grants. This implies a recurring, scheduled application period during which nonprofits can submit proposals for consideration. Although the detailed steps of the application submission process and required components are not disclosed in the available source, the use of the word “competitive” indicates that proposals will likely be reviewed and evaluated based on merit, alignment with the Circle’s mission, and potential community impact. There is no mention of specific funding amounts, cost-sharing requirements, or indirect cost policies in the available material. Also absent are timelines for award announcements, performance periods, or reporting expectations. However, prospective applicants are encouraged to connect with the Community Foundation for additional support and clarification. The Foundation provides contact information, including a phone number and email address, for those seeking to explore funding possibilities further. Overall, the Mathews Women’s Giving Circle represents a localized, mission-driven grantmaking body focused on fostering community resilience and support structures for women and families. It embodies a model of philanthropy centered on community engagement, education, and shared responsibility. While some programmatic and procedural details remain unspecified, the annual invitation to apply and the Circle’s commitment to informed giving provide a reliable framework for eligible nonprofits to plan around.