The opportunity to do something meaningful with other women is one of the joys of WIF membership. And it's the reason Ann McMillin Allen encouraged her mother, Cindy McMillin, to become a member last year. They serve together on the Grants Committee - with Ann as co-chair of the Education Team and Cindy as co-chair of the Human Services team.   

What led you both to join WIF?

ANN:  I became a member after attending a few events with fellow Moore & Van Allen attorney Carolyn Meade. I immediately signed up for two committees; and after having such a positive experience, I encouraged my mother to join.  When I was growing up, my mother was my role model for philanthropy and volunteerism. She showed me what it meant to have empathy. She also taught me a lot about leadership and "girl power." I knew she would appreciate the Women's Impact Fund.   

How did you become this dynamic duo on the Grants Committee?

ANN:  When I encouraged my mother to join, I also urged her to get involved with Grants. It is the heart and soul of our organization! I have learned so much about the needs of our community.

CINDY:  Annie had served on Grants; so through her, I was sure I'd like it.  I feel much more connected to the community because of the work we do. It's a non-stop learning experience.  

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Becoming Bold Leaders     

The most aspirational goal in our Strategic Plan says we will "position WIF for Long-Term Bold Leadership on Community Issues." During the first ten years, WIF focused on becoming a strong collective giving group. Now we are ready to shift our focus a bit, becoming bold leaders on community issues.       

We have already taken steps in that direction. We have funded game-changing programs, including those at A Child's Place and Catawba Riverkeeper, which are inspiring others to action. Read more about what these grantees have accomplished. Going forward, we want to build on our annual Social Hour for Social Issues program, becoming a convener of important community-wide conversations on critical needs. We envision a WIF YouTube channel or mini-TED talks to extend our reach.     

We also want to conduct a study of the impact our grants have had over the past 10 years. This will help us better understand how the $3.7 million we have invested in our community has impacted its quality of life. We will share what we learn with other philanthropic and community organizations and use the insights to inform future grantmaking.

Coming Soon!        

Featured Speaker: Dr. Heath Morrison,
Superintendent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools 

Monday, October 27, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Cocktail Reception: 5:30 PM- 6:15 PM
Program Begins: 6:15 PM
Discovery Place, 3rd Floor
301 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte

Register Now  

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