Giving Circle philanthropy has helped many

In only seven years since its founding, the Women’s Giving Circle of the Catholic Community Foundation Archdiocese of New Orleans has raised more than $1 million to help nonprofit organizations throughout the New Orleans area.

Each year, members – now 175 – select a focus. In 2022, it was: “Non-parish based wrap-around services for school-aged children Pre K through seventh grade.” Nine nonprofit organizations received grants this year. They are: St. Stephen School ($30,000 for a reading lab); New Orleans Right to Life Footprints for Life Program ($25,000 for copies of the Footprints program and books for teachers, teacher training and other supplies); Immaculate Conception School in Marrero ($25,000 for a literacy lab, teacher training and supplies); Hotel Hope ($20,000 for construction of two outdoor art murals and art therapy classes); Catholic Counseling Center ($20,000 for services to needy on a pro-bono or sliding scale basis and therapy materials); Mercy Family Center ($15,000 for mental health visits for 65 patients; Dominican Peace Center ($15,000 to send 12 students to local, Catholic summer camps, plus uniforms and supplies; Therapeutic Family Services of Catholic Charities ($10,000 to meet needs of foster children and foster care families and children’s supplies); Aspiring Scholars ($10,000 to make three marketing videos to promote this program providing tuition for needy students).

The Women’s Giving Circle is open to women who donate money that is distributed to deserving organizations. Members attend a kickoff Mass and luncheon to learn of organizations being considered for grants. This is followed by another Mass, reception and presentations from organizations that reach Round 2. Grants are awarded at a Mass and brunch. In the fall, bus tours are taken to see how an organization will use the grant money.

For details, call Kathi Zimmerman, development assistant, at (504) 527-5794.