History

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It all began in late 1998 with the People magazine article “Charity belle Colleen Willoughby helps women give money away.” The item described Colleen’s success in establishing a women’s foundation in Seattle, Washington. Claire Tate was intrigued by the idea of a women’s fund and spoke to Bill Spencer, then president of Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC), where Claire was a board member. Mary Lou Babb, also a FFTC board member, was a close friend of Colleen Willoughby. Between Claire and Mary Lou, an idea was born, with the blessing of FFTC.

Over the next few years, Claire and Mary Lou considered how best to form a women’s foundation in Charlotte. In February of 2002, Mary Lou hosted a reception for a dozen Charlotte couples to meet Colleen and her husband who were visiting Charlotte. No one knows what the men discussed, but the women were all fascinated with Colleen’s description of the Washington Women’s Foundation. All of the women agreed to join if such an organization were established in Charlotte.

The Momentum Grows

Soon after the Willoughby reception, Claire and Mary Lou discussed the idea with Michael Marsicano, FFTC current president. Michael enthusiastically agreed to support a women’s foundation in Mecklenburg County as a special initiative and donor-advised fund of FFTC. Meetings with Robin Branstrom and Patty Norman, the first recruits, were followed by a luncheon to introduce The Women’s Foundation of Mecklenburg County to women in the local area. Several women joined immediately.

And the momentum grew. Several founding members hosted gatherings in their homes in 2003 to introduce the idea to other women, a number of whom joined that day. Judy Allison, newly retired from an executive career in banking and community relations, was recruited. The list grew quickly. A diverse group of women were recruited to form the Founding Board of Directors.

Founding Board of Directors

JudyAllison
FancesArnoult
Mary LouBabb
Dianne Chipps Bailey
Robin Branstrom
Sandra Conway
Jill Flynn
Debra Foster
Toni Freeman
Julie Garella
Sharon Harrington
Iris Hubbard
Elaine Lyerly
Patty Norman
Debbie Phillips
Cecelia Ramirez
Sally Saussey
Stacy Sumner
Claire Tate

Board of Advisors

An equally diverse but small group of wise women was recruited to serve on the Board of Advisors – Jeanne Brayboy, Peggy Culbertson, Sally Robinson, Ruth Shaw, and Mattye Silverman.

Finding Our Niche

The guidebook published by The Washington Women’s Foundation (WWF), Something Ventured, was our roadmap. Up to this point, the newly formed Women’s Foundation of Mecklenburg County was modeled after WWF. To ensure that this model was the best one to meet the needs of Charlotte women, the founding board reconsidered the design and uniqueness of the women’s foundation. Board of Advisors member, Ruth Shaw advised us to “go slow so as to grow strong.” Consultant Octavia Sewell facilitated a strategic planning session and the Board deliberately assessed each aspect of the organization. The results of these efforts included:

A new name: The Women’s Impact Fund (WIF).
A newly established membership fee, which was reduced to $1,000 per year, plus $100 for operating expenses.
Reaffirmation that only women could join – no age limit – but membership fee and contributions could be paid by anyone.
A case statement and mission statement written by Judy Allison and Sandra Conway.
A policy that grants would be high impact within a range of $40,000 to $100,000.
Defined areas of grantmaking that included the arts, community building, education, environment, and health and human services.
Reaffirmation that grants would not be limited to those serving only women and girls.
A defined service area limited to Mecklenburg County.
Operating guidelines constructed by Debra Foster, which were later modified by Dianne Bailey.
Expand the board with an eye toward diversity.
Educational meetings with other local organizations about what makes the Women’s Impact Fund unique and a complement to their organizations.

Recruitment Efforts

In the spring of 2003, recruitment began again in a very low-key manner with coffees and late afternoon meetings in the homes of members. The invitation was always issued in the same way.

"We believe that the Women's Impact Fund has the potential to expand women's philanthropy and strengthen Mecklenburg County through addressing emerging issues and critical community needs. We live in the most generous of all communities. Most of you already contribute to a place of faith, an institution of higher education, United Way, Arts and Science Council, as well as charities special to you such as the Mint Museum or Lakewood Preschool.

We would love for you to become a member of the Women's Impact Fund only if you can do so without discontinuing your other philanthropic commitments. The only requirement for membership is your contribution; your time will be used only if you volunteer. There are no requirements for active participation. Although we certainly do expect that you will wish to vote once a year to determine where our funds will be invested in the community”

Women across Mecklenburg County responded. The recruitment was an “each one, reach one” strategy which included conversations between women throughout the community. The group was eclectic and diverse from the outset. The invitation for membership was and is extended to any woman who wishes to join.

Program Launch

With a goal of recruiting at least 100 women (in order reach our $100,000 grant goal), a kick-off luncheon was held at the Duke Mansion on November 5, 2003, to celebrate 162 Founding Members! Colleen Willoughby, Founder and President of the Washington Women’s Foundation was the luncheon’s guest speaker. A logo, letterhead, multi-color brochure, and a website were developed. During the next few months, the governance structure was defined, the financial plan was crafted, a newsletter was released, and our 40-member strong grants committee was hard at work.

The response was phenomenal. The Women’s Impact Fund had become the fastest growing women’s giving circle in the country. Patty Norman and Robin Branstrom spearheaded the initial membership recruitment effort. At end of the second grant cycle, WIF had 200 members -- growing quickly toward its new goal of 250 members by 2006. The first grants were awarded on June 3, 2004, totaling $158,000.

Since its beginning in 2003, the Women’s Impact Fund has grown to over 450 women and has awarded 29 grants totaling more than $2.1 million across five giving categories: Arts & Culture, Environment, Education, Health and Human Services.