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Committees

Grants Commiittee Training Looking to get involved with WGA in a more formal role? Lend your time and talents to one (or more!) of our committees: Advocacy, Communications, Connectors (Membership), Education, Finance, or Grants. We welcome your ideas and talents!

Our Committees

The Steering Committee establishes the strategic direction and management of WGA. Our committees perform vital tasks such as reviewing and recommending grants, scheduling education events and managing WGA's finances. Learn more about each committee and see the committee co-chairs below, or see our governance page for more information on WGA leadership.

To volunteer for a committee, please contact the Committee Chairs (log in to see Committee Descriptions and Contact Information under Committee Working Materials). Curious about one-time or short-term commitments? Browse our volunteer opportunities.

Advocacy

Explores ways WGA can extend its impact through non-partisan activities to influence public policy aligned with WGA's mission, as well as current and past WGA grants.  Co-Chairs: Saralyn Grass and Trina Medarev

Communications & Marketing

Keeps Members up-to-date on WGA news and events. Shares information with potential Members and the broader public. Co-Chairs: TriciaRae Stancato, Linda Hull, and Kristi Brandon

Connectors/Membership

Responsible for the recruitment and retention of WGA members. Co-Chairs: Courtney Weatherby-Hunter and Kenzie Crane.

  • Connectors organize small neighborhood gatherings designed to be social and informative in nature. 
  • The Events Team makes our large events happen, namely the Annual Meeting and Member Forum (both luncheons). 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Explores actions we can take to become better strategic philanthropists and improve the lives of women and girls through deepening our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Co-Chairs: Joni Poitier and Doreen Gross.

Education

Develops and hosts programs to help expand members’ knowledge of strategic philanthropy, community issues and the impact of WGA’s grants. Co-Chairs: Tara Braithwaite and Pam Field.

Finance

Meets quarterly to review financial statements, prepare budgets and address other financial topics that may need to come before WGA’s Leadership Team. Chair: Barbara Finke, WGA Treasurer.

Grants

Solicits and assesses applications for grants and monitors the progress of ongoing grants. This work happens through a senior team and sub-teams.

  • Grants Leadership Team (GLT) – Coordinates both sub-teams and leads the grants focus recommendation for the next year. The GLT includes the Co-Chairs of each grants team, the WGA president, one Vice President and, occasionally, additional Members with grantmaking expertise. Co-Chairs: Vicki Waytowich and Tina Wirth.
  • Grants Decision Team – Responsible for the assessment process and recommends grant funding to the Steering Committee. Members are expected to read all grant applications, participate in mandatory meetings and conduct site visits. The team is assisted by Volunteer Readers who read all proposals and then submit their individual comments electronically, and by the Financial Committee who analyzes the applicants' financial statements. Co-Chairs: Stacy Derr and Kelly Novak.
  • Grants Evaluation Team – Responsible for monitoring grant implementation. Members make scheduled on-site visits in pairs and prepare a report identifying progress toward the project’s objectives. This evaluation provides the basis for periodic payment of grant funds. Co-Chairs: Irene Phelps and Kirsten Martino.
  • Grants Finance Team – Helps review and evaluate applicants and existing grantee finances and fiscal health.
  • Impact Team – This exploratory group is looking for ways to communicate the community impact of WGA and it's grantmaking.

Volunteers are needed for all of these functions—there are both short-term opportunities (e.g., assist at an event) and more substantial roles (e.g., join or chair a committee).

Quotes

Rachael Mueller

“There are 24 hours in a day so why not fill them with the most important things? Family, career and WGA are always at the top of my list. From committees to social and educational events, WGA gives me the opportunity to connect with strong women and make a difference in the community.”

– Rachael Mueller, JD, Chief Development Officer - Hope Haven

Tara Braithwaite

“After meeting some genuinely fun ladies at a WGA event, I was encouraged to take a more active role. I wasn’t sure I could with a husband and young daughter while also working. I’m happy to say I found a committee where I participate online or by phone with the time available.”

– Tara Braithwaite, Realtor

Anita Vining

"I rarely attend WGA events, but I write my check every year faithfully because I know the grants are wisely chosen, and do so much good in this community."

– Anita Vining, Realtor

Contact Information

245 Riverside Avenue, Suite 310
Jacksonville, FL 32202 Directions

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