Women in Philanthropy

The Wayne County Community Foundation has expanded the Scranton Area Community Foundation's very successful and robust Women in Philanthropy program to include Wayne County nonprofits and donors!

Investing in women and girls is one of the best, proven methods of fighting poverty and stopping the cycle of poverty from spreading from one generation to the next. By targeting major issues that impact women and girls and providing funding for innovative projects that will eliminate the root causes of poverty and inequality, Women in Philanthropy (“WIP”) will empower and transform the lives of women and girls in Wayne County.

Women in Philanthropy operates under the belief that it is better to give women and girls the tools they need to improve their lives and ultimately lift themselves and their families out of poverty rather than providing an item or two that will help them get from one day to the next. We believe that investing in proven, successful programs that target long-term, meaningful change is the most effective way to empower women and girls and transform lives.
 

Members of Women in Philanthropy support and fund the future of women and girls in Wayne County. WIP is comprised of individuals who want to be actively involved in making decisions that impact the well-being of women and girls in supporting organizations that:

-provide childcare programs in our community.

-provide increased access to healthcare and nutritious and affordable food.

-provide girls access to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) education during important developmental years, so that more young women will be encouraged to pursue careers in well-paying, in-demand fields traditionally occupied by males. As these young girls grow into women, they will pass down the knowledge they have gained and the importance of learning to future generations.

-support women affected by domestic violence.

-provide access to adult learning opportunities, especially financial literacy so they can make responsible, informed decisions for themselves and their families.

$14,500 was granted to local nonprofits
serving women and girls in Wayne County in 2025!

We gathered for the annual grant presentation to hear from the 6 nonprofits awarded grants.  They shared information about their organizations and the programs the grant funding was helping to support.  There were almost 50 in attendance.  We look forward to these annual events to connect, inspire, and learn.

We need your support!

Grant funding is made possible by donors and Women in Philanthropy Champions.  Being a WIP Champion is about more than donating.  You will be part of a network of like minded community supporters wanting to make a difference in the lives of women and girls in Wayne County.  Our goal is to use our skills and resources to support area nonprofits and have a positive impact on each other.  We offer learning, volunteering, and gathering opportunities multiple times a year to our Champions.

Photo: Some of our WIP Champions at a meeting in July 2025.

Prefer to make a one time donation instead of being a Champion? 

If you have questions, email Crystal at csatriano@waynefoundation.org 

Thank you for considering supporting and empowering women and girls in our community!