The annual kickoff for Connecticut Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Circle took place on Thursday, Oct. 27, at Naugatuck Valley Community College’s Founders Hall
This was the first in-person meeting the Foundation’s giving circle hosted in two years, after a series of virtual gatherings during the pandemic.
Giving circles bring together people with common interests to learn about community issues and effective philanthropy. Members pool their contributions and decide together to make grants that have a positive impact on local people and issues.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with our members to celebrate, learn and make an impact in the region for women and girls,” said Jodi Wasserstein, chair of the Women’s Giving Circle. “This will be an inspiring, informative evening to energize new and existing members. Everyone is invited.”
The group anticipated over 80 members this year. Since it began five years ago, the giving circle has awarded more than $125,000 to local nonprofit organizations offering programs benefitting women and girls.
The theme of this year’s giving cycle is Women’s Health Across Generations. The kickoff
will feature a fireside chat with Dr. Rebecca Eleck Bruce, family physician and medical director of Wheeler Health and Angie Matthis, executive director of Greater Waterbury Health Partnership.
They will explore challenges and opportunities relating to women’s health in the region.
“Connecticut Community Foundation is proactive when it comes to addressing community needs. In 2016, based on the success and popularity of giving collectives across the country, the Foundation reached out to women in their network and formed an advisory committee.
These volunteers became a think tank and, with the backing of the Foundation, built the circle to what it is today. There’s nothing better than giving back together.” said Wasserstein.
Membership in the circle is open to everyone interested in advancing opportunities and outcomes for women, girls and their families.
For more information about the Women’s Giving Circle at Connecticut Community Foundation and the kickoff event, please visit https://conncf.org/womensphilanthropy/womens-giving-circle or contact Mark Berardi at mberardi@conncf.org or (203) 753-1315, ext. 110.
Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation fosters an equitable and inclusive
community in Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills by inspiring generosity, supporting organizations and cultivating effective leaders.
The Foundation provides leadership in addressing the region’s critical issues, strengthens local nonprofit organizations through grants and technical assistance programs, and works with individuals, families and corporations to establish and steward scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at www.conncf.org.
