Women's Giving Network (WGN) Micro-Grants

Women's Giving Network Micro-Grants

Program Type: Membership-based philanthropic giving network that pools donations to award micro-grants to Empath Health programs and services

The Women's Giving Network (WGN) is a dedicated group of women philanthropists who support the work of Empath Health through annual micro-grant awards. Members commit to a minimum $1,000 annual donation for a minimum of two years. The group meets twice per year: once to hear funding requests and allocate funds, and again to hear results of how their grants impacted patients and families.

Funding Focus Areas

Funds support innovation and expansion of patient-serving programs across Empath Health member organizations, including:

• Hospice services
• Palliative care and integrative medicine programs
• Home health services
• Independent living assistance and senior day care
• Advanced care planning
• Traumatic grief counseling and support programs
• HIV services
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Training and professional development for staff
• Volunteer programs (including teen volunteers)
• Pediatric hospice and family support services

Eligibility

• Members Only: Membership-based program open to women donors
• Minimum commitment: $1,000 per year
• Minimum membership term: 2 years
• Geographic scope: Serves Empath Health's service areas (Florida Suncoast region, including Pinellas County and surrounding areas)

Award Distribution Model

• 75% of pooled funds awarded annually as grants
• 25% retained for fund growth year-to-year

Historical Growth

• 2017 (Year 1): 9 members, $9,000 awarded to 4 projects
• 2018 (Year 2): 21 members, $18,000+ awarded to 8 projects
• 2019 (Year 3): 28 members, $23,625 awarded to 8 projects
• Grant allocations have increased significantly with membership growth

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

• Memory/keepsake photo shoots for pediatric hospice families
• Weighted blankets for anxiety reduction in hospice patients
• TENS/ultrasound machines for home health physical therapy
• Trained wound care nurse certification programs
• Reiki and aromatherapy programs
• Sewing supplies for volunteer-made comfort items
• Teen volunteer t-shirts and scholarships
• Palliative arts programs and music therapy
• EPIC Crimson Movement (feminine hygiene products for low-income/homeless clients)
• Specialized nursing training and equipment

Contact Information

Suncoast Hospice Foundation

• Main: (727) 523-2441
• Patient Care: (727) 467-7423
• Director of Philanthropy: Karen Van De Putte, (727) 523-3422 or KarenVanDePutte@EmpathHealth.org
• Alternative contact: Annette Carter, (727) 523-3414 or AnnetteCarter@EmpathHealth.org
• Carla Mattern, Director of Philanthropy (earlier contact): CarlaMattern@EmpathHealth.org

Address: 2675 Tampa Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34684

Mission Alignment

WGN is dedicated to inspiring, educating and encouraging women to effect change through philanthropy and leadership. Members become community ambassadors for Empath Health programs and services.

How to Join/Apply

Membership Application Process:

1. Contact the Director of Philanthropy to express interest in joining the Women's Giving Network
   • Karen Van De Putte: (727) 523-3422 or KarenVanDePutte@EmpathHealth.org
   • Or call foundation main line: (727) 523-2441
2. Membership Requirements:
   • Minimum $1,000 annual donation commitment
   • Minimum 2-year membership term
   • Commitment to attend at least one annual grant-making meeting
3. Meeting Schedule:
   • Members meet twice per year
   • Spring/summer meeting: Review funding requests from Empath Health departments and vote on grant awards (typically June)
   • Fall/winter meeting: Hear impact reports on how grants benefited patients and families (typically March or as scheduled)
4. Grant-Making Process (for WGN members):
   • Empath Health departments submit funding requests for specific projects, services, or programs
   • Members receive presentations from departments explaining their needs and project details
   • Members discuss and deliberate on funding priorities
   • Members vote on which projects to fund from their pooled donations
   • Decisions made collectively by membership
5. Next Steps:
   • Contact Director of Philanthropy to learn more about current membership opportunities
   • Ask about next scheduled meeting date
   • Discuss membership term and donation level

No formal written application required for membership — interest is expressed through direct contact with the foundation. Interested women should call to learn more about the program and current membership opportunities.