M&M AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION KICKS OFF ITS NEWEST FUND, THE WOMEN’S GIVING CIRCLE OF MARINETTE & MENOMINEE COUNTIES   

            On Thursday, May 1^st, over 50 local women joined the M&M Area Community Foundation in kicking off the establishment of its newest fund, The Women’s Giving Circle of Marinette & Menominee Counties.  With the help of an anonymous donation to the Foundation, The Women’s Giving Circle has been established to support projects which are important to women and girls. 

             Local women were invited to attend a presentation followed by a small reception at Little River Country Club.  Prior to the event, over 20 women expressed an interest in becoming lifetime members.  With a minimum donation of $10, one can become a lifetime member and choose to be actively involved in the Advisory Circle, which is responsible for the granting process and activity planning of the fund.  Women can also pledge $1,000 to the fund to be completed by June 1, 2009 to become a Founding Member of the Circle.  Since last Thursday, over 60 have joined the Circle and 4 have become Founding Members!  Because the fund is permanently endowed, donations to the fund will continue to make a difference in our community forever.

    This year, the fund will award $5,000 to local non-profit organizations supporting projects important to the women of the Circle.  The first grant cycle will take place this fall with a November grant ceremony.  Within the next few weeks, members of the Advisory Circle will be chosen randomly from a list of individuals who have expressed an interest in participating.  The Advisory Circle will be meeting in June to plan for the upcoming grant cycle and any other activities they desire.   

             The Women’s Giving Circle is inclusive and hopes to continue to grow.  If you or your friends are interested in joining or learning more about The Women’s Giving Circle, please contact the M&M Area Community Foundation at 906-864-3599.