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Our History
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Claire Tate and Mary Lou Babb
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The Women's Impact Fund was created in 2002 through the leadership of Mary Lou Babb and Claire Tate and 158 founding members. The purpose of the fund is to maximize women's leadership philanthropy by engaging and educating its membership, increasing charitable contributions and strengthening communities through the impact of collective giving.
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Guiding Principles
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We are committed to:
- A membership that is inclusive, welcoming all women who wish to join;
- Building relationships among women who are united in their interest in improving the community;
- Creating a membership of educated philanthropists who will understand community needs and become informed, experienced grantmakers;
- Achieving a greater level of community impact by drawing on the aggregate resources, collective decision-making and direct involvement in grantmaking by our members;
- Collaborating with existing community organizations on grantmaking and education activities; and
- Grantmaking that will be conducted with integrity, fiscal responsibility and respect for our community partners.
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The Power of Collective Giving
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Members of the Women's Impact Fund make a five-year commitment of $1,200. Grants are focused in five interest areas: arts & culture, education, environment, health and human services. All grants support nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County. In the past five years, the WIF has contributed over $1 million to Charlotte's community organizations.
Grant recipients since 2004
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Did you know?
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Membership levels have increased 45% in just over four years, making WIF one of the fastest growing giving circles in the nation.
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