When women come together, communities change.
For more than three decades, Women in Philanthropy (WIP) at United Way of the Midlands has brought together women who believe in the power of generosity, leadership, and connection. WIP members understand that addressing the challenges facing women and families requires all of us to be philanthropists-and that meaningful change happens when women invest in one another.
Building Leaders and Strengthening Connections
Women in Philanthropy exists to stimulate positive change in community leadership by increasing women's involvement, expanding women's networks, and supporting the personal and professional growth of women across the Midlands.
Throughout the year, members have opportunities to connect, learn, and serve through:
- Quarterly Lunch and Learns focused on professional and personal development.
- The Women's Leadership Breakfast, one of the Midlands' most unique and inspiring events.
- Volunteer opportunities, including youth mentorship experiences with Midlands Reading Consortium STEM Girls.
- Community engagement activities designed to foster meaningful relationships among women across the region.
- Social and networking events that encourage collaboration, leadership, and lasting impact.
These experiences provide more than opportunities to give back-they create a community of women committed to making the Midlands stronger for everyone.
Turning Generosity into Impact
Women in Philanthropy members invest in solutions that improve the lives of women and children through a competitive grantmaking process. Each year, grants support organizations with proven programs and measurable outcomes.
2025-2026 Women in Philanthropy Grantees
Dyslexia Resource Center - $8,255
The Dyslexia Resource Center helps children become confident readers through affordable assessments, evidence-based tutoring, educator training, and community awareness. Their work is grounded in the belief that 95% of children can learn to read when taught using research-based methods.
Orangeburg County First Steps - $10,000
Funding supports Countdown to 4K, a school transition program that prepares young children and their families for success before entering pre-kindergarten. Through summer home visits and family engagement, children build foundational academic and social-emotional skills.
Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center - $31,745
Through its Economic Empowerment through Healthcare Training initiative, Brookland-Lakeview will help 60 participants pursue Certified Nursing Assistant credentials, gain employment, increase income, and create greater stability for their families.
Over the years, Women in Philanthropy has invested in dozens of organizations and programs serving women, children, and families, including Girls Inc., Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands, Communities in Schools, Richland Library, the Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands, Palmetto Place Children's Shelter, and many others.
Why Women in Philanthropy?
Women in Philanthropy is about more than making a donation. It is about creating a network of women who are committed to leading, learning, and investing together.
By joining WIP, members become part of a movement that:
- Strengthens women's leadership in the Midlands.
- Creates opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Builds meaningful connections with other women committed to service.
- Invests in programs that help women and children thrive.
- Creates lasting change through collective philanthropy.
How to Join
Any donor who makes an annual unrestricted gift of $500 or more becomes a Women in Philanthropy investor.
Annual Investment
- Ages 21 and older: $500 annually
- Or approximately $42 per month
New members join as soon as their pledge is received. Gifts can be made through a workplace campaign or as an individual donation.
Together, Women in Philanthropy members are proving that when women invest in their community-and in one another-the impact reaches generations.
