Across the United States, groups of women are initiating and participating in giving circles — groups of individuals who pool their charitable gifts to fund projects that improve the quality of life in their communities. With their collective gifts, these women are major donors, and they are helping to “grow” women as philanthropists. We may not all be individually wealthy, but we hold great wealth in common.

2. Why a “women’s circle” and not just a giving circle?

Currently women control more than 51% of America’s wealth; in the next ten years that number will grow substantially. Evidence reveals that women are attracted to specific causes and give for different reasons than men. The priorities of most women are health, education, and the environment. They want their money used to make an impact in the lives of people. They want to see results, and they want to be involved in the organizations they support — rather than just write a check.

In many marriages, men still control where the philanthropic money goes. “Women must learn to give in their own name — in parity with their spouse — to causes that support their values and be recognized as role models of philanthropy. This will cause a ripple effect for the good.”

3. What is the significance of the name: Lantern League?

The name goes back to the history of the Sisters of the Presentation (the founders of Presentation High School, which is the sponsoring organization of this circle.) The religious order was founded by a woman named Nano Nagle. She was a native of Cork, Ireland, and came from a very wealthy family. She became increasingly concerned about the plight of the poor in her country — especially poor children who were denied education under the penal laws. She formed a religious order of women dedicated to the education of children. Because it was illegal during the 18th century to provide education for Catholic children, she did so in the cover of night. She was often seen in the streets of Cork carrying a lantern.

The lantern is an object that casts out light and serves as a beacon of hope lighting the darkness. Since the proceeds of this circle will fund education for women and girls, this seemed an appropriate name for our group.

4. The mission of this circle is to support education for women and girls. Why this narrow focus?

Seventy percent of world poverty impacts women and children. Less than 10% of philanthropic dollars goes to causes directly and exclusively impacting women and girls. Women, in particular, should be very alarmed by these statistics and must seek change! Education is the key factor for raising the quality of life for women everywhere. Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Prize Laureate leader of Burma’s democracy movement said: “The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.”

Besides raising funds for worthy causes, the secondary purpose of the circle is to educate its members about philanthropy and finances.

5. By charter, 50% of the money will go to projects at Presentation High School and 50% to other causes that support women and children. Why does Presentation receive 50%? If I am not affiliated with PHS, why would I want to support that particular school?

The mission of Presentation High School is to provide education for young women; therefore the stated purpose of the school coincides exactly with the mission of this circle.

On a practical level, rather that focus time and energy on setting up a foundation to gain 501(C) (3) status (a lengthy, complex, and potentially expensive process,) many circles throughout the country prefer to partner with an existing nonprofit. All contributions will be tax-deductible. Checks must be payable to Presentation, but funds will be held in a separate bank account.

The school will present a list of projects to the circle, and members will decide which have the highest appeal and are most worthy of funding.

6. The membership fee is $1000 annually. Why was this amount chosen?

Philosophically, women’s giving circles are designed so that each member contributes the same amount. In this way, each woman is an equal partner for a noble cause, and no one person’s membership is more valuable than anyone else’s. Breaking it down, $1000 annually represents about $3.00 per day — a figure that a great many women can afford.

Payments may be made by cash (check) or credit card.

7. What does it mean to be a founding member?

8. How will the circle’s operations be funded?

The steering committee will seek an underwriter to cover the estimated annual $10,000 budget. A generous donor has covered the costs for this year.

9. Beside the annual financial commitment, what is the time commitment for The Lantern League?

While we do intend to form a strong network of women, the focus of this circle is to raise funds to support causes we believe in. There will be no “events” that take up inordinate time and energy, nor will there be gratuitous meetings. Meetings will be minimal (3 per year) and will focus on the following:

10. How will grants be determined?