Did you know women are changing the face of philanthropy? National studies show women make 83% of all consumer purchases in the U.S. totaling over $12 trillion annually, and female-owned businesses are the fastest growing sector of the U.S. In addition, female donors who participate in giving circles give more than other donors, give more strategically, and give to a greater number of organizations. They also develop increased knowledge of philanthropy and are highly engaged in their communities. The community of Henderson is pleased to announce a newly formed group for women determined to make an impact and give back to their friends and families. Partnership of Women is created and geared for you; the woman that wants to make a difference. Breaking out of traditional gender roles seen in earlier generations and pursuing equality in education, employment, and earnings, women are transforming philanthropy through innovative new charitable organizations. Many of the first women’s funds were created by Boomer and older women, starting in 1972 with the establishment of the Ms. Foundation for Women. Women’s funds are nonprofit organizations, often public foundations, which are governed primarily by women and which raise money from public sources to support programs for women and girls. Today there are about 165 women’s funds in 27 countries on six continents. The idea of POW! is simple. Everyone involved pools their financial resources, and becomes a partner to change Henderson County. There is no fundraising, no canvassing, no buying somebody’s stuff, no endless meetings, no car washes. You give annually, and $500 gives you a vote on where that money is donated. Our goal is to engage 50 women (or more) to give $500 annually. In the spring, we will have a fabulous dinner and hear about the top qualifiers who need our money. Then you vote on where your head and heart leads you. This program of women funded giving already exists in Evansville and Owensboro and for many years they have been able to significantly impact the community they love. We will begin this endeavor by setting aside half of the money and putting it into a permanent endowment fund. The other half will be disbursed to the community at the dinner. It is that simple. If the monetary commitment is keeping you from joining, fear not! $500 equals one vote and you can donate through installments from now until spring. You can also come together with a friend and each pitch in $250 each. Then at the dinner, the two of you decide where you want your money to go, as one vote. Multiple people can comprise $500 and equate to one vote. Also, if you want to give $1,000, you can have two votes, and so on. Those committing to POW! for a 5-year commitment will be listed as distinguished POWer Leaders. Since we will impact women for many generations, you can also create a POWer Legacy in the name of your daughter, granddaughter or other women of importance or even in memory of a beloved woman in your life. With each added $500 gift in a given year, you gain an additional vote. The POWer Legacy list will be perpetual, but only one vote for the year the gift is given. Please consider this your invitation to be involved with this exciting group! There are so many POWerful women in our community, and what an awesome thing to come together and make a tremendous change. If you feel like you already give a little to many things, this could make things easier. Consider one gift to POW! and know your money is going back into Henderson. One of the groups you currently help might even be a grant presenter, and with your vote, they could receive more money than they ever thought possible. Please know that this fund will be administered through the Henderson County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the West Kentucky Community Foundation. Administration of the endowment fund will be less than 1.5% any given time. This means your money will grow in perpetuity and leave a POWerful mark for years to come as the interest is granted out annually. If you are ready to send in your check, by all means, please do! Simplicity and major impact is what this is all about for everyone involved! Follow the below links to our downloadable form. We hope you will join us! Here is the link to the information on POW! and our Membership Form:
http://www.communityfoundationofhenderson.org/2012/07/pow-partnership-of-women.html
Thank you and let’s show our POWer!
