Our Beginning

In 2007, four Rochester, NY women – Paula Carter, Alyce Van Patten, Amy Irish and Shirley King – envisioned the power of women supporting women through hands-on philanthropy and started the Rochester Women’s Giving Circle (RWGC).  RWGC was the first formally established giving circle in the community and is an Initiative Fund with Rochester Area Community Foundation.

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Since inception, the Rochester Women’s Giving Circle (RWGC) has awarded $2.7 million in grants to Monroe County organizations, directly impacting thousands of low-income women and girls through education, training, and essential services.

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RWGC currently includes 170 members and we continue to recruit like-minded women who are passionate about our mission while being mindful of our goal to diversify our membership.  

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