Community boost with fund launch

A new approach to philanthropy has been launched in Bath. More than 50 women gathered in The Chapel at St John’s Foundation to start the Bath Women’s Fund. Inspiring local female role models including two former Olympians spoke about the power of women coming together to give and support others in their community. The speakers on October 4 were the chair of Bath and North East Somerset, Councillor Karen Walker, Professor Carole Mundell, Professor of Extragalactic Astronomy at the University of Bath, Amy Williams MBE, Wera Hobhouse MP and Sharron Davies MBE. The Bath Women’s Fund is inspired by the many examples of Giving Circles around the world, engaging donors in giving and learning about philanthropy and the issues that they aim to address. The co-founders, Emma Beeston and Isobel Michael, wanted to replicate this successful model of place-based philanthropy in Bath, supported by a Steering Group and St John’s Foundation in Bath. Emma Beeston said: “The Bath Women’s Fund is a collective response to need and the giving circle will enable donors to pool resources to create more impact together.” The Bath Women’s Fund will have an annual grant making theme to be chosen by the members at the start of each year and a £50 monthly giving level, with young members giving at £25 per month. The Bath Women’s Fund aims to engage local women in the power of collective giving to support the local community. Women (and men) who are interested can sign up to the mailing list at: http:// eepurl.com/djrfwo Research shows that Giving Circles encourage members to give more and to help more progressive causes.