RWF was co-founded in Roanoke, Virginia, by local philanthropists Ginny Jarrett and Kandy Elliott, who, along with five other founding members, share a deep commitment to our community.
We are a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation and we pool individual donations into large, high-impact grants to area non-profit organizations. All members vote on the recipients. We provide grants ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000.
Since 2005, we have awarded grants totaling $5,281,600. Any woman can join – no invitation needed!
Our Mission and Why We Started
Our mission, as a 100% volunteer organization, is to invest collaboratively in our community and positively impact the area’s quality of life.
RWF was founded to offer women in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas an avenue to become leaders in the field of philanthropy, and to offer a model for collaborative giving in response to the needs of our community. Our organization is based on a philanthropy model started in Seattle, Washington in 1995 and since replicated in other cities around the country. We are proud members of Philanos, a nationwide network of women’s collective giving groups.
Service Area
RWF funding supports non-profit organizations in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Botetourt County, Craig County, Floyd County, and Franklin County, Virginia. RWF supports grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment, and health and human services.
2024 Board Members
Betsy Whitney, President
Trudy Brailsford, Secretary
Ann Green, Treasurer
Alice Burlinson
Dawn Erdman
Luann Fitzpatrick
Katrina Goode
Susan Koch
Donna Littlepage
Brenda McDaniel
Sue Nussbaum
Yvonne Olson
Paula Prince
Audrey Stone
Lee Woody
Frequently Asked Questions
Roanoke Women’s Foundation is open to any woman who makes the commitment to support the organization by making a $2,100 annual membership donation.
We look for critical needs, new ventures, and innovative approaches to solving problems. The RWF Grants Committee evaluates proposals and selects projects for an organization-wide ballot. Voting takes place annually in autumn. The projects selected reflect the diverse interests of the membership.
Yes! If your annual membership donation is paid by June 30, you are eligible to vote in the fall of that year. Those who choose to join after the June 30 deadline are still considered full members, are welcome to attend the Annual Awards Presentation, and can participate in other events and committees as they wish.
The annual membership donation is $2,100. Members may pay online or by check. All payments are tax deductible for the full amount paid. Membership donations may be made annually, semi-annually, or quarterly. RWF accepts payments by check, credit card, and stock transfer.
Contact Us
Email: info@roanokewomensfoundation.org
Mail:
Roanoke Women’s Foundation
P.O. Box 8976
Roanoke, Virginia 24014
