Fall Luncheon Celebration

The Women in Philanthropy Fall Luncheon at the Country Club of Hilton Head was a success and a lovely celebration of the WIP community. WIP Chair Lesley Gilbert welcomed members and guests and invited the Reverend Pam Fahrner (also a WIP member) to offer the blessing which was comforting during these turbulent times.

Laura DeLong began the luncheon program with a Membership Minute, followed by Grants Chair Pamela Stone, who announced our 2024 Grants Theme of Promoting Mental Health. Carole Galli, Education Chair, introduced our guest speaker, Angie B. Salley, Executive Director of the Coastal Empire Community Mental Health Center, and her presentation certainly supports the need for the WIP Grants Committee theme of Promoting Mental Health in our Community.

For the group of WIP members and guests who came out for the Beach Walk on October 10, we couldn’t have picked a better day. The weather and tide cooperated and Jean Fruh's conversation with us was enlightening and entertaining as we learned about our treasured island’s environment. None of us will enjoy our oysters in the same way as Jean informed us about the critical role oysters play in our ecosystem.



Jean also explained the important work that The Outside Foundation does to maintain and enhance our oysters and the waters around us. This foundation was a 2015 WIP Grant recipient for the "Kids in Kayaks" program. This was a “game changer” for them as they introduced local students to their environment. They still use these kayaks and have continued to expand the program throughout the county.

Kim Likins, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, has invited WIP membership to hear an overview of the Club’s programs over coffee with a tour afterwards. The event takes place on November 16 at 9:00 am. Look for an upcoming email from Lisa Hodge for registration details.

The Membership Committee is looking for volunteers to host an informational gathering to introduce a dozen or so of your friends and neighbors to WIP. It you are willing to open your home sometime in January or February for this event, please contact Kaye at kblackhhi@gmail.com. 

It can be a morning coffee, or something like wine and cheese in the afternoon. The Membership Committee will help with invitations, provide nametags, WIP brochures and do a brief presentation about WIP. It’s always fun to meet new women who care about our community.

Advisory Board Vice Chair Dedria Cruden hosted a Membership Orientation for new WIP members at her home on October 5.

Orientations are a great way for new members to learn everything about WIP in a social, relaxed environment.

The Grants Committee is two meetings into the 2024 funding cycle. In November, they will email Requests for Proposal (RFP) to almost 200 Beaufort County area nonprofits. The RFP will explain this year’s theme, "Promoting Mental Health", along with guidelines and deadlines for applications. All applications will be submitted by January 15 via an online grant application platform, supported by the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.

Grants Committee members are also currently talking with 2023 grantee organizations for mid-year check-ins, hearing the successes and challenges of each grantee as they move toward meeting goals articulated in their 2023 WIP funded projects to “Strengthen Mental Health Services for Children and Young Adults through Age 21.” Please feel free to share the availability of WIP funding with organizations you think might be a match in 2024. 

Please contact Grants Committee Chair Pamela Stone if you have questions.

It’s the Holiday Season and time for the Women in Philanthropy's Deep Well Santa Shop collection. Keep your eyes peeled for an email in November announcing the December 2023 gift collection.