What started 10 years ago as a small group of charitably minded women has grown into a powerful giving circle that has reached the milestone of $1 million in grants to support causes throughout the Arlington region.
Women Inspiring Philanthropy (WIP) is a community of women that seeks to transform lives in Arlington through high-impact and lifelong giving. WIP aims to educate members about local philanthropic opportunities, empower members through grant-making, and engage women through social events.
“In 2012, six of us met for lunch to discuss the idea of pooling our giving to make a bigger impact. We agreed that our giving circle had to make an impact, to contribute to a legacy, and to have fun in the process,” says Linda Dipert, founding member of Women Inspiring Philanthropy.
Over the last ten years, more than 220 members have made annual gifts of at least $1,000 and pledged their time and insights to the grantmaking process. By pooling their charitable dollars, their combined impact is greater than any one member could achieve alone.
“There’s strength in numbers,” notes Amy Cearnal, current WIP President. “Women Inspiring Philanthropy empowers our members to be part of something bigger than themselves. We provide a platform to build a much larger network and impact.”
WIP works with North Texas Community Foundation (NTCF) to steward their group’s pooled donations in a donor-advised fund. These exceptional women have recently extended their philanthropic reach by establishing a second endowed fund at NTCF, empowering the group to make grants for generations to come.
“Women Inspiring Philanthropy is a true testament to the power of community and collaboration. NTCF is proud to partner with this influential group of women,” says Rose Bradshaw, president & CEO of North Texas Community Foundation.
WIP members consider funding proposals in the areas of culture, education, environment, family, and health and wellness and collectively decide where to invest funds. Grants are awarded annually in May.
In 2022, WIP members voted to invest $50,000 in the University of Texas at Arlington’s Planetarium for equipment, software, and new shows. They also awarded $52,500 to Alliance for Children for FF&E, appliances, and AV equipment, and $50,000 to Dental Health Arlington for the expansion of the SMILES program for dental education and preventative services for Arlington ISD 4th graders.
Past grantees include: AISD Kooken Elementary School, Arlington Life Shelter, Arlington Museum of Art, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, Center for Transforming Lives (YWCA when granted), Dental Health – Arlington, Friends & Foundation of the Arlington Public Library, Friends of the Levitt Pavilion – Arlington, Green Oaks Education and Support Inc., International Corridor Vision aka Santa Fe International Folk Art Market of Arlington, NEW DAY, Open Arms Health Clinic, River Legacy Foundation, SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Texas Health Resources Foundation-Arlington, and Theatre Arlington.
As WIP celebrates the $1 million mark, Dipert stresses, “It’s important to look beyond this accomplishment.”
New members are welcome to join by making a donation to the fund. For more information and to join, visit: www.arlingtonwip.org.
