In a philanthropic landscape where charitable giving to women and girls’ causes remains strikingly low, the She Angels Foundation is working to tip the scales through innovative collective giving.
The grassroots organization, founded in July 2020, awards monthly grants to female-founded nonprofits that focus on women’s and girls’ issues, addressing a longstanding disparity in charitable donations.
“Women and girls receive less than 1.8% of all US donations annually, which was really shocking,” said Robin Radin, the foundation’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Marketing and Outreach, in a recent interview.
This stark disparity spurred Catherine Curry-Williams and Catherine Gray to co-found She Angels Foundation during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference.
Radin explained Curry-Williams’ lifelong relationship with philanthropy, noting that she founded Shane’s Inspiration in 1998, (which is now called Inclusion Matters), after her son died in infancy from the effects of spinal muscular atrophy. That nonprofit organization works to create accessible playgrounds and support inclusive play around the world.
She Angels Foundation operates on a collective giving model, pooling member donations to provide substantial grants to selected nonprofits, a strategy that maximizes impact.
“Instead of donating $5 here, $25 there to different causes, collective giving means your annual donation is pooled with other members’ donations to make larger, more impactful gifts, Radin elaborated, highlighting the effectiveness of their approach.
Since its inception less than four years ago, She Angels Foundation has made significant strides, donating over $200,000 to various organizations through monthly $5,000 grants.
One notable beneficiary, the People’s Pottery Project, exemplifies the foundation’s impact. The organization employs formerly incarcerated women, teaching them pottery skills and giving them jobs in their collective nonprofit business.
“We were able to donate not just a $5,000 grant, but also a kiln,” Radin said. “We enabled them to double the capacity of the pottery they were creating.”
The She Angels’ mission extends beyond grant-making. It aims to raise awareness about the funding gap and inspire more giving to women’s and girls’ causes through various initiatives.
To achieve this, She Angels Foundation has launched a “Philanthropy Circles” program in cities across the United States, allowing the foundation to grow from a local to a national organization.
This new initiative seeks to educate potential donors and expand the foundation’s reach beyond its current 150+ members, creating a ripple effect of awareness and support for women and girls.
The organization’s unique structure ensures that all member donations directly fund grants. “100% percent of all member donations go to our grants program,” Radin emphasized.
To support their scaling and infrastructure, the foundation relies on sponsors, generous donors, and benefits held on their behalf. An upcoming benefit on July 13th and 14th at the
Shakespeare Club in Pasadena will feature a Broadway Revue performed by Theatre Americana, along with a VIP party and silent auction.
Despite its growth and impact, She Angels Foundation faces the same funding challenges it aims to address.
“The challenge is in getting foundations who make large grants to incorporate grassroots organizations in their giving,” Radin shared, highlighting the ongoing struggle for women and girls recognition in the philanthropic world.
As She Angels Foundation continues its work, it stands as a testament to the power of collective giving and targeted support for often-overlooked causes.
Radin, reflecting on her transition from a 25-year career as a TV executive producer to her role at the foundation, said, “When the opportunity arose to transition into this role with She Angels Foundation, I really felt like it was a wonderful pivot to make at this point of my career, where I could really make a difference in a very meaningful way.”
Radin emphasized that donations of any amount are greatly appreciated to support the foundation’s mission. A contribution of $500 or more includes membership, which grants invitations to various events throughout the year, including Angel Power Happy Hours, their annual Christmas party, and Spring Soiree. Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made directly on the website at www.sheangelsfoundation.org
Support the She Angels Foundation by attending the Fabulous Broadway Revue at The Shakespeare Club in Pasadena! Enjoy VIP Night on July 13th at 6 p.m. with cocktails, light bites, and a silent auction for $75, or join us for Matinee Day on July 14th at 2 PM for $25. Your participation helps benefit the She Angels Foundation.
For more information, contact robin@sheangelsfoundation.org.
