As a WGA Founder and the first President of the organization from 2001–2004, Courtenay Wilson knows more about WGA and its history than nearly any other Member. Courtenay and four other women trustees of The Community Foundation — the late Ann Baker, the late Doris Carson, the late Helen Lane, and Delores Barr Weaver — became inspired by what communities around the country were accomplishing and began important conversations with Jacksonville-area women about philanthropy and community. The Women’s Giving Alliance was born in early 2001 with the following mission: “To inspire the women of Northeast Florida to be strategic philanthropists and to improve the lives of women and girls through collective giving.
Courtenay recalls: “We knew from the beginning that we were creating something special. WGA helped to change the way women give and the lives of those to whom they give. We helped change the status quo — formerly, men were perceived as the leaders in philanthropy.”
Tell us more about the first year of WGA.
The kick-off meeting to the public was held on November 19, 2001, at Riverside House (Jr. League headquarters). We outlined our giving program, our goals, the grantmaking process and invited women in Jacksonville to become members. Our membership goal for the first year was 100 Members. By year end, we exceeded our goal and had 163 Founding Members.
The first committees to be established were a Membership Committee to attract new Members, a Grant Committee to make recommendations to the membership for grants from the pooled fund, an Education Committee to plan programs on strategies for informed giving, and a Communications Committee to produce any publications and communications tools.
One unique aspect of the WGA, from the beginning, was the establishment of the Women’s Endowment Fund at TCF. Every year, a portion of each Member’s contribution is added to the Endowment Fund, and a portion of the earned income supplements the grant funds. This endowment fund ensures that the needs of women and girls will always be a priority and will be addressed forever.
How did you decide where to focus grantmaking in the beginning?
The initial focus for grants, as suggested by Members through a survey, was literacy and self-worth. It became clear that in order to determine where funds were most needed and would be most effective, we needed to know the status of women in Northeast Florida. Under the leadership of Member Sandy Cook, WGA engaged the Florida Center for Public Policy and Leadership at UNF to conduct an 18-month research study on the Status of Women and Girls. The report “Voices Heard – Women & Girls Speak” not only served to guide WGA in its grantmaking, but also assisted community, educational, and government agencies in advocacy efforts.
What is a favorite memory from the early years?
As the five Founders were trying to decide how and where to start, I read an article in People Magazine about a dynamic woman named Colleen Willoughby, who had started an organization in Seattle, Washington, called the Washington Women’s Foundation — then five years old. She became our mentor, and her organization was our model for WGA. Colleen came to Jacksonville, and we stayed in touch for several years.