What purpose does the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund serve in our community?
The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund is a collective giving organization created in 2015. Through a simple grant making process, the annual proceeds from membership provide financial support to nonprofits that address pressing issues facing the communities of Lake Tahoe.
Does the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund focus on women’s issues only?
No. Grants are available to any nonprofit serving a community need.
How is the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund different from other local women’s groups (e.g. Soroptimists, AAUW, etc.)?
We are a granting organization, not a service organization. All of these organizations, including the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund, focus on bringing women together for charitable purposes.
Who can become a member of TWCF?
Anyone, including children and men, can become a member of the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund. Each member receives one vote in the grant-making balloting.
Is it possible to sponsor other members?
The Tahoe Women’s Community Fund encourages its members to sponsor their children, grandchildren, other family members, friends, employees, and peers.
One of our goals is to develop new generations of philanthropists.
How does the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund select which programs to fund?
Each member receives one vote on our annual ballots. Requests for Proposals are sent to local nonprofits. After the proposals are returned and reviewed by the Grants Committee, members receive a ballot and vote on which grants to fund. The member-selected grants are announced and awarded each Spring at our annual Grants Award Gala.
What portion of the membership donation goes to the actual grants?
Financially prudent management of funds is a strong tenet of our organization. After allotting only 1.5% for administrative fees, we commit 98.5% of our funding to grants and the endowment fund.
What is the Tahoe Women’s Community Fund endowment fund?
Money in our endowment fund is invested to build a reserve and create long term financial stability. Only the interest or dividends earned from the endowment fund can be spent.
Who is on the Tahoe Women's Community Fund cabinet?
The founding cabinet comprised ten local women who worked for several months to make the Tahoe Women's Community Fund a reality. As the organization evolves, so does the cabinet. Cabinet members come from diverse backgrounds and generations, but all believe deeply in giving back to the community and doing so in a truly impactful way. You can learn more about the Cabinet here.