Greenwood’s Heartfelt Contribution to Local Nonprofits
At a time when the community needs are ever-growing, the city of Greenwood demonstrated its commitment to making a difference, through the collaborative effort of Greenwood Women Care (GWC). This spirited organization recently awarded an impressive sum of $72,100 in grants to 11 nonprofit organizations across the county during their 2024 grant cycle.
This wonderful initiative is a part of the Greenwood County Community Foundation, boasting a generous force of over 160 local members. These members have pooled their contributions together to lend a helping hand to those facing challenges, from homelessness to hunger, and even battling cancer. Over its six-year journey, GWC has made significant strides, granting nearly $404,000 to 62 invaluable organizations that tirelessly serve the people of Greenwood County.
A Symphony of Support from Local Women
Reflecting on this year’s achievements, Jan Puzar, Co-Chair of the Grants Review and Awards Committee, shared, “We are fortunate to have so many organizations striving to meet urgent needs in our Greenwood community.” Her fellow Co-Chair, Deb Coesens, echoed this sentiment with pride, noting, “The power of women gathering together to pool their money to support so many people is inspiring.”
This spirit of giving and supporting community growth finds its strength in the collaboration, assessment, and selection process among GWC members. Anne Marie Johnson, a passionate incoming Advisory Board member of GWC, remarked, “We get to select services we think would best serve our town.” Each year, members receive a detailed document summarizing the requests and priorities of various organizations, guiding them to thoughtfully choose those they wish to support.
Spotlight on 2024 Grant Recipients
The selected grant recipients for 2024 are a testament to the broad range of needs being addressed within Greenwood County. These organizations cover an array of essential services – from health and education to housing and nutrition. To continue nurturing these relationships, GWC hosts an interactive grant workshop for nonprofits serving the county each summer. This session equips them with the necessary tools to effectively communicate their mission, financial needs, and long-term goals.
Fostering Growth and Encouragement
While all nonprofit organizations wish to benefit from such grants, not every applicant gets to this time around. The good news? They’re encouraged to return the following year and strengthen their proposals. The collaborative spirit fostered by GWC is a continuous cycle of learning, growth, and encouragement.
If you’re curious about Greenwood Women Care and its extensive grant process, be sure to explore more, and reach out to find out how you too can contribute to Greenwood’s flourishing community initiatives.
A Beacon of Hope and Generosity
Communities thrive when individuals come together to share ideas, resources, and support. Greenwood Women Care perfectly exemplifies this, proving that collective giving can indeed foster hope and make a real difference in people’s lives.
As Greenwood continues to grow and face new challenges, the efforts of these incredible organizations and the support from GWC serve as a guiding light, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
