Our History

Women in Philanthropy has three goals:

  • to increase the number of women philanthropists
  • to focus women’s philanthropic investment in community programs that assist women and children
  • to develop women leaders who will lead program and policy changes to improve the lives of women and children
Founded in 2002 by a group of 16 business women and community activists in the Columbia area, Women in Philanthropy (WIP) is the Midlands’ first major women’s philanthropic initiative. 

WIP was established as a giving circle that also focused on leadership development, education, advocacy, and networking.  United Way of the Midlands and the Central Carolina Community Foundation played an integral role in providing support.  Initially, the Central Carolina Community Foundation provided administrative support along with marketing, communications, proposal development and grant distribution.  The United Way of the Midlands provided means for collecting and disbursing contributions. 

In 2004 the administrative support, including marketing, and communications, was transferred to United Way of the Midlands.  Currently, Central Carolina Community Foundation’s support is limited to administration of the arts, education, environment grant process and management of the WIP Endowment.  In 2006, United Way of the Midlands allocated funds for a part time position to facilitate WIP needs.  United Way of the Midlands also continues to provide basic supplies, office space, computer access, and data management software.   

WIP, in collaboration with the United Way of the Midlands, the Central Carolina Community Foundation and the SC Alliance for Women, is part of a larger national movement of women taking the activist role of philanthropy to seek long-term solutions through leadership, community investment, fundraising, advocacy and mentoring.  It is one of 90 similar organizations that have collectively raised more than 100 million dollars to date.

Recognizing that community issues are broad and require a comprehensive approach, Women in Philanthropy also supports mini grants in the arts, education, and environment through the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

In addition to community investments, Women in Philanthropy sponsors networking events at members’ homes, an annual fundraising event, Power of the Purse, and an annual Founder’s Breakfast designed to update members on the results of projects and to expand the focus for member/investors for the up-coming year.