Women’s Giving Circle: Power of pooled philanthropy

There’s a relatively new ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans called the Women’s Giving Circle. Can you explain what it is and what it has accomplished?

Yes. The Women’s Giving Circle began in 2016 as a tremendous initiative of the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) that invites women to pool their resources and then direct those funds to support Catholic ministries and institutions across the archdiocese. The CCF started the program as the first of its kind in the state, and Kathi Zimmerman has been spearheading the program for the last several years. Women are invited to contribute $1,000 annually, and this year, the 202 members of the Women’s Giving Circle amassed $202,000 that they then decided how to distribute. It’s amazing how quickly the giving circle has grown and continues to grow. In the first year, the giving circle distributed $129,000 in funds, so the word is getting out about how effective these pooled funds have been in the life of the local church. Individual donors certainly can make a great impact, but the collective impact of hundreds of women giving to selected causes has had an amazing effect. There is power in a collective brand and in coming together. It’s a further act of selflessness. You’re able to put forward your own interest but also join your interest with others. Collectively, this group can push toward making a deeper impact in the community. 

How do the women decide which ministries they want to support?

That’s one of the great aspects of the program. The women themselves make all the decisions. Each year, the Women’s Giving Circle selects an overarching theme. In the first year of the program, they decided to support Catholic ministries that helped children. In later years, they concentrated on supporting ministries to women. This current year, they decided to look at ministries in the church that were doing something “innovative” to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ. I’ve always believed that we can’t continue to do things the same way and expect different results, so this process encourages people to think creatively about how they can be more effective in carrying out their respective missions. There are several dioceses across the country that have launched Women’s Giving Circles, but this is the first that I’m aware of that has decided to claim a space for innovation. Imagine St. Jerome preserving the Gospels with his own hand. What would he have said if centuries later he had seen the printing press that enabled the Bible to be the most published book in the world? Innovation has a space in the church, and these women are claiming that space.

How does the process work?

It usually starts in March when the women gather for Mass and then reflect on the theme and focus chosen for that year. Then, a few weeks later, they invite the women back for Mass and to hear presentations from Catholic ministries about their own work and how their mission aligns with the theme for the year. They get together for a little luncheon with wine called the “Sip and Learn.” Then the women vote online for the organizations they would like to see receive the funding, and the CCF decides how the grants will be apportioned in reflection of the voting. We just held that celebration on April 30, and 25 organizations received grants. 

How often do the women go beyond contributing dollars and actually volunteer with a ministry?

That happens all the time, and that’s one of the major goals of the Women’s Giving Circle. When people see with their own eyes the good work different members of the church are doing, their understanding of philanthropy expands. We encourage volunteerism. That’s why we take the women by bus on an “impact tour” in the fall to see for themselves what their contributions have done to further the mission of each ministry. This is such a wonderful program that is led and run by women. Please give Cory Howat, the CCF executive director, or Kathi Zimmerman, the special projects director, a call if you are interested in learning more. They can be reached at (504) 596-3045 or www.ccfnola.org. I give thanks to God for so many generous women who are giving of their time, talent and treasure to advance the mission of Jesus Christ.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].