FAQs

Since there are many, many networking opportunities for women in this community, what distinguishes WIP from other opportunities?

  • It’s our diversity – age, race, income level, interests, experience in the community and levels of philanthropy.
  • Everyone can find a connection in WIP and women truly want to be a part of this energy.

What is your relationship to United Way? 

  • Because we are not a separate 501(c)(3) organization we actually partner with three community groups – United Way, Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF), and the SC Alliance for Women through Columbia College. 
  • Our funds are processed through  United Way of the Midlands.  We support grants through both United Way and CCCF; and, we are a partner with the SC Alliance for Women through advocacy, awareness and educational opportunities.

Where does the money go that member/investors contribute?

  • We use an RFP process to award grants to organizations that are doing work that match our mission and vision.
  • A small portion of our investment money is also used to raise awareness of community issues.  Many members, in addition to their pooled investment in WIP devote both time and financial resources into a myriad of community organizations and causes. 

How can member/investors to get involved once they join?

  • Networking events at member’s homes
  • Power of the Purse event
  • Founder’s Breakfast
  • Food for Thought educational luncheons on community issues
  • Pooling investments to support women’s and children’s community issues
  • Raising the awareness of philanthropy – and that by pooling our funds we can all be philanthropists.

How often does WIP meet?

  • We are not a membership organization, rather a group of investors.
  • Opportunities to gather include quarterly socials, educational luncheons, and two signature events – POP and Founders Breakfast.

What are the membership levels?

  • We are not a membership organization rather a group of investors. We encourage a $1,000 annual investment but we accept investments beginning at $500. 
  • Our range of investment levels are $500, $1,000+

If someone is already supporting organizations devoted to women and children, can their gifts to those organizations count toward WIP as long as they are at least equal to $250?

  • No, please keep giving those gifts, but the concept behind WIP is the power of pooling financial resources to make a greater impact on one or more issues.

Women with limited incomes also make a huge difference in the community by contributing their time to organizations.  Isn’t time as important as money?

  • Yes, absolutely, and in fact many of our members, in addition to their financial investment, also invest countless hours in volunteering and in planning events.
  • Philanthropists, however, are individuals who invest both time and financial resources.

How can WIP be reached other than attending an event?

  • Our Member/Investor Committee is always ready to answer questions and provide brochures.
  • You are invited to the WIP office at United Way of the Midlands: 803-748-7287.