A “Giving Circle” Becomes a Major Philanthropic Force

A group of about two dozen black women is becoming a significant philanthropic force in Washington, reports The Washington Post.

The African American Women’s Giving Circle was started two years ago and is administered by the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. The group is made up mostly of professional women who each give from $1,000 to $10,000 a year. They mainly support health-care efforts.

The circle’s biggest grant thus far has been a $50,000 donation to Satira S. Streeter, a licensed psychologist who operates Ascensions Community Services, which provides therapy to needy residents. The grant helped Ms. Streeter add two therapists and open a clinic near the Anacostia Metro Station.

Claudia Thorne, co-chair of the giving circle, said of the group, “We just tap into the souls of each and every woman present as sisters. To have 25 African-American women — strong, professional, independent, opinionated — come together and move as one has been a wonderful process.”

Read The Chronicle’s article on the giving circle.

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