Women Making a Difference (WMD)

Mission: To support organizations dedicated to help protect the safety of women and children in the community.

Women Making a Difference (WMD) began in January 2002 with a simple idea. If women come together and pool their resources, volunteer time and ideas they can make a bigger difference in their community than if they act alone.

Today, WMD has more than 250 members and has given more than $200,000 through their fund at CCF to support organizations helping women and children. They have also created an endowed fund, which they are building over time to be able to make grants in perpetuity to causes they care about most. Here is how they apportion the funds they raise every year:

85% for grantmaking
10% goes into the WMD endowment at CCF to ensure future funding.
1% is paid to CCF as management fee
4% is reserved for any operational expenses. Any remainder will go to grantmaking.

Over the years, WMD has awarded grants to the following non-profit organizations:
Boys and Girls Club

Carolina Medical Assessment Center

Carolina Youth Development Center

Charleston Area Therapeutis Riding

Center for Women

Crisis Ministries

Dee Norton Lowcountry Childrens Center

Dress for Success

Florence Crittenton

From Darkness To Light

HALOS

Hemangioma Treatment Foundation

Humanities Foundation's ShelterNet Program

My Sister's House

People Against Rape

WINGSforKids

Listen to the difference WMD grantmaking has made in one life. Cameron came to the Carolina Youth Development Center’s “Big Brothers/Big Sisters” Program because his mother was worried sick. Cameron was a 6th grader who hated going to school. He was teased and failing. At the Center, Cameron was matched with a hip, 21 year-old mentor, who loved extreme sports just like Cameron. At their first meeting, both turned up wearing roller blade shoes. Cameron is now barreling along in the 7th grade. One person, one hour a week made all the difference.

To see the full membership list and find out how to join this great group of giving women, visit www.womenmakingadifference.com.

The charitable "giving circle" - Women Making a Difference - is proud of its 250+ members who grant $45,000 each year to organizations that help women and children like the ladies (above) from "Dress for Success" .

Philanthropic Partners:
Women Making a Difference
Charitable Society of Charleston
Charleston Trident REALTORS Association
WomenGive