Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County Surpasses $1 Million in Grants to Community

The Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County (WGCCC) has reached a significant milestone, awarding over $1 million in grants to local organizations since its founding in 2008. The achievement was celebrated at the 8th Community Awareness Scorecard Breakfast on March 6, 2026, at Highland Presbyterian Church.

A History of Collective Giving

Established with just 14 founding members, the WGCCC was created to amplify the philanthropic impact of individual donors in Cumberland County. In 2008, the founding members awarded $26,000 in grants. Today, the circle has grown to 135 members and awarded $96,000 in grants in 2025.

Focus Areas for Grantmaking

The WGCCC supports programs addressing critical needs within the community, including:

• Health
• Child abuse prevention
• Housing insecurity
• Childcare insecurity
• Foster care support
• Food insecurity
• Prevention of human trafficking
• Adult literacy
• Child literacy

2025 Grant Recipients

In 2025, the WGCCC awarded grants to the following organizations:

• Myrover-Reese Fellowship Homes: $17,000
• Child Advocacy Center: $15,000
• Connections of Cumberland County: $15,000
• Planned Parenthood South Atlantic: $15,000
• Better Health of Cumberland County: $13,000
• Care Center Family Violence Program/Cumberland County Department of Social Services: $10,000
• Fayetteville Urban Ministry: $8,000
• Cumberland County Schools: $3,000

Community Needs Highlighted in Scorecard

The WGCCC’s 2024-2025 Community Awareness Scorecard revealed concerning statistics regarding challenges faced by Cumberland County residents:

• Over 33,700 households receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
• Approximately 60,000 children in Cumberland County experience food insecurity.
• 855 students experience housing insecurity.
• There are only 268 childcare facilities in Cumberland County, an 8% decrease since 2020.
• Cumberland County had 61 reported cases of human trafficking between 2019 and 2023, the highest number in the state.

Looking Ahead

The Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County, a program of the Cumberland Community Foundation, continues its commitment to improving the lives of women and children in the community through strategic grantmaking and collective philanthropy. The organization welcomes new members who share a passion for making a difference.