Women and Philanthropy is a network of prominent women in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, combining their support for local needs and operating under the umbrella of Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.
On 20th March, Women and Philanthropy was launched by Sally Bowie, High Sheriff of Leicestershire, at an event kindly hosted by Rosita Page at County Hall, Glenfield.
Our Women and Philanthropy leaflet with logo designed by Rock, Kitchen Harris and kindly funded by Pick Everard was also presented at the launch.
Speakers at the event included Rick Moore, Chair of Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation, Oliver Jones-Davies, Director at CCLA Investment Managers, Judith Gilboy, founder The Adopted Children’s Fund and the Rt Revd. Bishop Tim Stevens.
The evening was a great success and was very well attended by people from across the city and two counties.
Members of the Women and Philanthropy network pay £500 per year for two years: a total of £1,000 and can donate on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis, as they prefer. Women and Philanthropy is philanthropy rather than “a fundraiser”, strategically developing the quality of local life and enabling clearer prediction of amounts and impact.
£250 from each £500 yearly donation will be given that year to local charitable groups while the other £250 will be invested. Until 2015, the Community Foundation matches donations invested with them £1 for every £2, with central government money. We then draw down income for Women and Philanthropy giving each subsequent year.
The Community Foundation connects with many local charitable organisations, from household names to smaller “hidden” groups and members decide which local charitable groups will be supported.
Each year, the Women and Philanthropy Steering Group will shortlist 12 charitable organisations from the two counties and the cities, verified by us. There will be opportunities to meet or hear more about the shortlisted groups and the membership will vote for 3 final winners by email or phone.
Every autumn all members are invited to a main (sponsored) event to hear a celebrated speaker, and from the three winning causes. Each member then decides personally how their £250 is spent: divided between the 3 causes, or all given to 1 or 2.
If you are interested in Women and Philanthropy and would like to hear more contact Katy Green, Chief Executive: katy.green@llrcommunityfoundation.org.uk or 0116 2624 804
