About Us
Who We Are
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Strengthen our shared community by advancing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education and connection.
Vision
A community of philanthropic women creating positive impact.
Our Values
Curiosity
We endeavor to listen and learn, with a willingness to try new ideas and a desire to evolve with intentionality. We provide educational opportunities to promote thoughtful collective giving and informed philanthropic leadership.
Belonging
We embrace diverse perspectives, believe in fairness and justice and create space for all voices to be heard so our collective spirit thrives. We aspire to be a community of belonging – where all feel welcomed, accepted and connected.
Impact
We embrace diverse perspectives. Our collective spirit thrives when all voices are heard.We seek bold, long-term and transformative outcomes for our community. We bring women together, pooling our resources to expand impact as we support nonprofit partners driving positive change.
Our Mission
and Vision
Our Mission and Vision
Mission: Strengthen communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education and engagement.
Vision: A community of philanthropic women impacting the world.
Our Values
Community
We provide an open and fun environment to create connections and build relationships.
Impact
We empower nonprofit partners and our members to serve the community.
Learning
We provide educational opportunities to promote thoughtful philanthropy and informed leadership.
Inclusion
We embrace diverse perspectives. Our collective spirit thrives when all voices are heard.
The Collective
We bring women together, harnessing our resources to amplify impact.
We are a curious, growth-minded organization and strive to approach our work with humility and a willingness to listen and learn. We commit to being a better partner and sharing power with the community and each other.
Our History
Since 2003, the Women’s Impact Fund has grown from a special initiative to a leading nonprofit organization with almost 500 members in Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded by Claire Tate and Mary Lou Babb, in 2004, we awarded initial grants of $158,000. Today, we have awarded $8.5+ million in grants to more than 110 nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg County. We lead in philanthropy, women’s education, and engagement in the region.
In 2026, the Board of Directors approved a strategic plan with four pillars – Give, Lead, Connect and Sustain – to reflect our priorities and focus Women's Impact Fund's efforts over the next three years.
In 2023, the Board of Directors approved three simplified strategic goals to guide Women's Impact Fund for the next three years
Give
Strengthen women's leadership in collective giving and support nonprofits. Bring more women into philanthropy and broaden our community of thoughtful and intentional leaders who give to, volunteer with and serve local nonprofits. With humility, listen to and learn from nonprofit partners and Spark award recipients to enhance WIF's support beyond the check.
Lead
Strengthen women's leadership in collective giving and support nonprofits. Bring more women into philanthropy and broaden our community of thoughtful and intentional leaders who give to, volunteer with and serve local nonprofits. With humility, listen to and learn from nonprofit partners and Spark award recipients to enhance WIF's support beyond the check.
Connect
Foster connections for the greater good. While focusing on membership growth, remain intentional about community building and belonging. Emphasize the value and importance of ongoing WIF membership.
Sustain
Ensure WIF remains viable to serve the community with a focus on operational excellence in member experience, financial management and supporting technology.
2023-24 Annual Report
