Women’s Giving Alliance held their annual member forum on May 19 at the Florida Blue Conference Center and joyfully celebrated their 25th anniversary. WGA, a collective giving initiative of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, has made a lasting impact on the lives of women and girls in the area.
WGA President Sabeen Perwaiz opened the forum and spoke about her gratitude for the members, volunteers and board members. Each year, WGA pools their philanthropic giving to award grants that benefit women and girls in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns County. This year, WGA awarded funds to nonprofits that offer resources and support to survivors of violence and abuse. The rate of domestic violence is higher in Baker, Duval and Putnam counties than in the rest of the state. There is a real need for resources, support and healing.
“Violence against women and girls is not just a women’s issue; it affects families, workplaces, schools and our entire region,” Perwaiz said.
Nikki Sabol, WGA director, shared statistics of the work WGA has done and the finances for the year. She applauded all of the members for their long-term commitments to funding.
“So, as we step back and look at all of the data together, what stands out most is not just the numbers, but again, the story that they tell and what they represent,” Sabol said. “They represent a long-term commitment, deep engagement and a shared belief that we can create meaningful change for women and girls in our region.”
Over the past 25 years, WGA has granted more than $10 million and supported more than 80 organizations in the community. Their goal is to continue to grow and expand their reach across Northeast Florida.
During a delicious lunch, members Susan Rodgers and Jacqueline Hadley shared their stories of how they discovered and joined WGA. Jamie Reynolds, president and CEO of Barnabas Center, which is one of the alliance’s first and longest standing grantees, spoke about the impact WGA has had. Barnabas Center provides nutrition and health services as well as empowerment programs.
“Because of this partnership, women have survived and thrived in Nassau County,” Reynolds said.
Kirsten Martino and Joni Poitier spoke about the grant process and introduced Dr. Saralyn Grass and Mackenzie Crane, who shared how the WGA plans to invest these funds in the 2026 grant slate.
They introduced the one-year, $10,000 grants awarded to The Playful Family, Inc., The Lotus Flower Project, Silent Women Speaking Foundation, Inc., Rakad Dance Camp and Empowering Changes Inc.
Their two-year, $100,000 grant was award to Arize Together; and their $125,000 grants were awarded to Catholic Charities Bureau Inc., Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, Family Support Services and Hubbard House. The vote for each grant was a resounding yes.
To close out, Perwaiz said each grantee received an additional $2,500 dollars in celebration of WGA’s 25th anniversary, which brought the total grant pool to a grand total of $675,000.
WGA’s annual member forum was a success and a beautiful way to celebrate all of the hard work and dedication to better the lives of women and girls in Northeast Florida.
WGA received 59 grant applications seeking funding for a total of $4.8 million. To help fill in the gap, WGA invites the community to get involved through their matching fundraising campaign. WGA co-founder Delores Barr Weaver is offering a dollar-for-dollar match for contributions up to $150,000 made through Sept. 30 to the WGA grants pool for its 2027 grantmaking. Everyone is welcome to participate.
To learn more, go to https://wganefl.org/match.
