WHEELING, W.Va. — Nine local organizations are receiving grants through the Women’s Giving Circle (WGC), an initiative of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), to support projects that strengthen, uplift, and empower women and girls throughout the Ohio Valley.
The Women’s Giving Circle brings women together in philanthropy to make strategic, research-based investments in programs that address critical needs and create opportunities for women and girls across the region. Since its founding in 2010, the WGC has grown from a small group of passionate leaders into a powerful network of more than 100 members. Collectively, the Circle has awarded more than $607,000 to nonprofits working on the front lines for women and girls.
This year, the WGC awarded $50,470 in grants to support programs across CFOV’s service area, which includes Jefferson and Belmont counties in Ohio, and Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler counties in West Virginia.
“The Women’s Giving Circle is driven by the belief that when women invest in women, entire communities are strengthened,” said Executive Director Susie Nelson. “Our members are deeply committed to supporting programs that provide safety, education, confidence, and opportunity for women and girls. These 2026 grants reflect that mission and the growing impact of women-led philanthropy in the Ohio Valley.”
The funded projects address a wide range of needs, including trauma-informed mental health care, leadership development, STEM education, homelessness prevention, creative arts enrichment, and emergency support for students.
- Children’s Home of Wheeling, Inc. – Empowering Girls in Crisis: Trauma-Informed Mental Health Care at Orchard Park Hospital — $10,000
- Crittenton Foundation, Inc. – Therapeutic Dance for Young Women and Mothers — $4,000
- Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council – Girl Scout Leadership Experience — $6,350
- Marshall County Family Resource Network – Healthy Classroom Essentials Project and Period Prep Bags Project — $3,000
- Oglebay Institute – Arts Enrichment Opportunities for Girls — $5,000
- Ohio Valley Youth Network – Girls Who Thrive: STEM, Arts & Leadership Enrichment — $7,000
- SMART-Center – Girls Enjoying Math and Science Camp (GEMS) — $4,120
- WVNCC Foundation – Emergency Assistance for Female Students — $5,000
- Youth Services System, Inc. – Transitional Living Program & Homeless Prevention for Women & Children — $6,000
The Women’s Giving Circle continues to grow a community of philanthropists dedicated to creating long-term, meaningful change for women and girls in the Ohio Valley.
To learn more about the Women’s Giving Circle or to become a member, contact Director of Philanthropic Services Sarah Barickman at 304-242-3144 or at sarah@cfov.org.
To view photos from the grant reception, click here.
