Anne Arundel Women Giving Together Celebrates 20 Years of Collective Giving and Community Impact

Annual Grants Showcase brings together 270 community members and nonprofit partners as AAWGT awards a record $262,913 to 13 local nonprofits

Anne Arundel Women Giving Together celebrated 20 years of collective philanthropy at its annual Grants Showcase on September 29 at The Byzantium at Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Annapolis. The event brought together 270 AAWGT members, nonprofit partners, founders, past presidents, community leaders, and guests.

Representatives of 11 organizations funded during the 2025–2026 grant year shared what their grants helped make possible and what they learned through the grant period. AAWGT also introduced the 13 nonprofit organizations receiving a combined $262,913 in 2026–2027 funding, the largest annual grant total in the Giving Circle's history. AAWGT has awarded more than $2.4 million to 65 nonprofit organizations since its founding in 2006.

“The Grants Showcase gives us the opportunity to listen to our nonprofit partners and learn directly from the people doing this work every day,” said Ellen Shiery, President of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together. “Their expertise, commitment, and deep understanding of our community guide the programs and services that strengthen women and families throughout Anne Arundel County. AAWGT is proud to invest alongside them and to introduce more people to their work.”

AAWGT is a women's giving circle whose members pool the grant portion of their annual membership contributions and collectively decide which nonprofit programs will receive funding. Members also learn about community needs, volunteer, share professional expertise, make introductions, and build relationships with nonprofit partners.

That impact beyond the grant was highlighted by Dr. Erin Snell, Executive Director of Charting Careers, in a recent letter nominating AAWGT for the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County's Philanthropist of the Year Award.

“AAWGT does not simply write a check and walk away,” Dr. Snell wrote. “They build relationships, believe in nonprofit leaders, and connect organizations with an extraordinary network of women who continue to invest in our community in countless ways.”

Through relationships formed with AAWGT members, Charting Careers has gained mentors, advocates, volunteers, donors, professional expertise, and a staff member. Dr. Snell described AAWGT's approach as using “time, talent, treasure, relationships, and trust to strengthen our entire community.”

The evening also recognized AAWGT's founders and founding members, its past presidents, and its 20-year relationship with the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. AAWGT operates as a component fund of CFAAC, which serves as its nonprofit sponsor and fiduciary partner.

The Byzantium served as the event sponsor, with support from the community of Ss. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church and Agape Catering.

To learn more about Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, its nonprofit partners, grantmaking, membership, and upcoming programs, visit www.givingtogether.org.

See photos from the evening on our Facebook page.