Every story of progress begins with someone believing in what’s possible.
For over 25 years, the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC) has brought together women who believe that when resources are pooled, knowledge is shared, and community voices are centered, meaningful change can happen. Through collaboration and collective giving, BWGC members support organizations working every day to expand opportunity for women and families across Baltimore.
Renee Gordon, Co-Chair of BWGC shares, “Through collective giving, BWGC amplifies women’s voices, maximizes the impact of philanthropic giving and fosters community change. For many nonprofits, BWGC is not simply a funding source but a pathway to deeper community engagement and long-term relationships.”
This Women’s History Month, we checked in with several BWGC grantees to hear what has happened since they received their grant—and how their work continues to shape the future of our region.
Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime
At Girls on the Run of the Greater Chesapeake, the goal is focused but transformative: help girls unlock their power and potential to boldly pursue their dreams.
With support from the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle, 82 girls across Baltimore gained access to Girls on the Run programming, a space where they could build confidence, increase physical activity, and develop essential life skills.
The program provides more than after-school activities. It creates belonging. Participants learn to celebrate differences, support one another, and tackle challenges together—including completing a community impact project that helps them see how their voices matter.
The organization hopes that, years from now, the girls who participated will be leading companies, strengthening neighborhoods, launching new ideas, and shaping communities in ways we cannot yet imagine.
“By empowering generations to rise above limiting stereotypes while building confidence, physical and emotional well-being as well as essential life skills at a pivotal age, the girls transformed by our program will be making history themselves.” – Kelly Makimaa, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake
Because when a girl discovers she can do hard things—and that she belongs—she carries that belief with her for life.
Housing as the Foundation
The Women’s Housing Coalition is dedicated to helping those who experience homelessness and struggle with a disability that contributes to their housing instability.
BWGC funding helped expand permanent supportive housing and essential services for women and single mother–led families experiencing homelessness. The support sustained case management, behavioral health coordination, employment readiness services, and everyday necessities that help families stay housed. In 2025, the organization maintained housing stability for 148 households and 251 individuals.
“We hope our contribution is measured not just in buildings opened or units filled, but in mothers who found safety, children who grew up with stability, and families who built economic security where there was once crisis.” – Beth Benner, Executive Director of Women’s Housing Coalition
BWGC’s investment helped women to save money for other critical needs and create safer, more stable environments for their children.
Looking ahead, the organization is focused on maintaining stability during a time of national housing uncertainty—ensuring families continue receiving the care, housing, and opportunity they deserve.
Justice That Keeps Families in Their Homes
The Public Justice Center also addresses issues of housing instability, through advocacy and legal representation.
With support from BWGC, the organization helped renters understand their rights, avoid eviction, and advocate for fair housing policies. Over the past year alone, the Public Justice Center provided legal assistance in 902 cases, with 95% resulting in successful outcomes.
That means families staying in their homes. Tenants gaining time to find safe housing. Landlords being required to repair unsafe conditions.
Beyond individual cases, Public Justice Center helped secure new protections for Maryland renters—from mold remediation requirements to stronger eviction notification policies. The work reflects a long-term commitment to justice sought in partnership with local communities.
In 2026, the Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Looking to the future, Dr. Khalilah M. Harris, Executive Director at the PJC, believes its legacy will be clear, “Community members will remember the ways the PJC engaged in movement lawyering in partnership with people who are directly impacted, community advocates and elected officials to reduce harm and to address the root causes of systemic racism and economic disparities.”
Confidence, Dignity, and a Fresh Start
For many women experiencing homelessness or living in transitional housing, everyday routines most people take for granted—like getting a haircut or styling their hair—can be difficult to access. Transportation, cost, and limited availability of nearby salons often put professional hair care out of reach. Yet those services can play an important role in how someone shows up in the world: preparing for a job interview, attending school, meeting with a case manager, or simply moving through the day with confidence.
At Rob’s Barbershop Community Foundation, addressing that gap became the focus of the T.I.M.E. Grooming Project, which brought licensed cosmetology services directly to women living in transitional housing in Southeast Baltimore.
Through BWGC support, a licensed cosmetologist provided weekly services to residents—resulting in 206 hairstyles and 23 haircuts for 116 women. Beyond the numbers, the impact of these services was deeply personal, restoring a sense of dignity and normalcy to women during a time when many aspects of life felt uncertain.
Looking ahead, founder Robert W. Cradle shared that the organization is focused on a new initiative that connects grooming professionals with schools and social service agencies across Baltimore—ensuring more women can show up for life’s opportunities feeling confident and prepared.
The Power of Women Investing in Community
It’s well known that investing in women is investing in community. And when women invest in their communities, they invest in possibility. They help girls discover their confidence. They help families stay in their homes. They help women prepare for new opportunities. They help communities become more just and stable.
Barbara Epke, Co-Chair of BWGC shares, “BWGC has had the great fortune to become acquainted with so many nonprofit organizations that proceed with bravery to enable Baltimore women and their children to overcome the challenges of housing, food insecurity, child care, literacy, trauma, and employment among so many other obstacles of our time. To be able to assist nonprofit organizations in meeting their goals through our grants program would be to assist and strengthen the women of Baltimore. Key to our legacy, however, is the opportunity to link the many women of Baltimore who are willing to give of their time, their resources, and of themselves to be a part of this growth to enhance the strength of our community. We have learned that women in all situations, those affected by challenges as well as those with the ability to provide help, have a voice that can influence change.”
The Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle was founded on the idea that generosity grows stronger when it’s shared. They envision a more just, equitable, and inclusive Baltimore where all women can flourish. During Women’s History Month—and every month—that belief continues to shape lives across Baltimore.
