Women in Philanthropy

As leaders in society, business and community, women mobilize necessary change in order to improve the areas in which we all live and work. Women have brought down barriers and have participated in shaping the future of the Midlands through programs and policies that help make strong communities. Now, the Women in Philanthropy Initiative provides an opportunity for a number of strong, caring, and focused women to come together to learn about financial and philanthropic issues and to address the real needs of women and children in our area.

Founded in 2002 by a group of 16 business women and community activists in the Columbia area, Women in Philanthropy is a collaboration with the United Way of the Midlands, Central Carolina Community Foundation and SC Alliance for Women.  Women in Philanthropy has a three-fold mission: to increase the number of women philanthropists; to focus women's philanthropic investment in community programs that assist women and children; and to develop women leaders who will lead program and policy changes to improve the lives of women and children.  For more information please visit www.womeninphilanthropy.com or call 803.748.7428.

Women in Philanthropy Founders Committee

Lynette L. Allston Community Volunteer Cynthia M. Bennett SC Chamber of Commerce Charlotte Lunsford Berry Community Volunteer Sharon W. Bryant First Citizens Bank Emily Clay Co-founder of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine  Rita Bragg Cullum Ellis, Lawhorne & Sims, P. A. Toni M. Elkins Designs By Elkins Harriott Hampton Faucette The Fat Cat Foundation

Mary M. Maxie Haltiwanger Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P. A. Joyce Martin Hampton FareWell Farm Marjorie L. Heggie Salomon Smith Barney Ann Treadway Henry Community Volunteer Patricia C. Russell Community Volunteer Louise Rogers Slater Consolidated Systems, Inc. Martha Scott Smith BellSouth The Honorable Inez Tenenbaum State Superintendent of Education