The Women’s Giving Circle awards $150,000 in grants to empower women and strengthen the community

May 8, 2025

Left to right: Ali Brighton, Women’s Giving Circle Grants Chair; Rachael Ryan, Community Programs Manager, Family Promise of Gainesville; Shari Jones, Executive Director, Family Promise of Gainesville; Barzella Papa, President and CEO, Community Foundation of North Central Florida; Jeanna Mastrodicasa, Chair, Women’s Giving Circle

Press release from the Community Foundation of North Central Florida

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Now celebrating its 19th year of collective philanthropy, the Women’s Giving Circle, a program of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 grant awards, totaling $150,000 in funding to support local initiatives uplifting women and girls in our region.

The Women’s Giving Circle is sustained by a dedicated endowment ensuring 100% of donations go directly to grants. The generosity this year was fueled by 153 donors, the largest number of donors in any single year since inception. Their collective support has made it possible to award a $100,000 Impact Grant and $50,000 in Catalyst Grants, grants of up to $5,000 to seed a new project or build capacity. The Impact and Catalyst grants are focused on the Circle’s mission to empower and invest in long-term solutions for the community.

The 2025 $100,000 Impact Grant has been awarded to: Family Promise – Essential Housing Program

This transformative grant will support Family Promise’s efforts to provide critical housing solutions for families at risk of homelessness, with a focus on long-term stability and economic empowerment for women and children.

The following organizations have each been awarded a $5,000 Catalyst Grant for their innovative and vital work:

Gainesville For All
Genesis Family Enrichment Center
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council
Girls Can Do IT Too
Grace Healthcare Services
Palm Breeze Youth Services (Pineridge)
PEAK Literacy
Rebuilding Together
Regional Food Bank/Bread of the Mighty
Released

These Catalyst Grants support a wide range of initiatives, from youth development and education to health and safe housing—all essential to strengthening the fabric of our community.

“We are honored to support such impactful organizations,” said Jeanna Mastrodicasa, Chair of the Women’s Giving Circle. “Thanks to our generous donors and community partners, we continue to make lasting change—together.”

Since launching in 2006, the Women’s Giving Circle has given more than $2 million in support to the local community. As the Women’s Giving Circle enters its 20th year, it remains committed to collaborative giving and meaningful impact while empowering change, one grant at a time.