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The Davie Community Foundation sponsors Pearls of Empowerment, a women’s giving circle open to all women in the county who wish to improve the lives of women and children.

A Pearls’ membership may be an individual, the ladies in a family, or a women’s civic or church group. Every membership pays $1 per day or $365 per year.

Of the $365 membership dues, $300 is used in the current year for grantmaking for projects impacting women and children in Davie. In 2021, the combined member dollars for ninety members at $300 totaled $27,000.

The second portion of the dues, $30, is used to pay the expenses of the circle such as costs for educational events, printing costs, and annual meeting costs. During the 2020-2021 year, Pearls had a surplus that was reserved for 2022 as it holds more in-person events.

The third portion of the dues, $35, is added to the Pearls of Empowerment Endowment. In 2021, Pearls members added $3,150 to the endowment which ended the year with a balance of $78,363.

“ The $35 per member really adds up when it is invested over time,” said Jane Simpson, foundation president. “The good news is that the endowment ensures money will always be available to support projects impacting women and children in our county. As with all community foundation endowments, a percentage of the fund is distributed into the community every year.”“Currently, the Pearls’ distribution from the endowment is added to the grantmaking dollars fto award in the current year. In 2021, the endowment added $2,855 to the grant dollars Pearls could award.

Pearls set three focus areas for grantmaking in 2021: Abuse of Women and Children, Housing for Women & Children, and Childcare and Transportation.

In 2021, Pearls awarded four grants in the focus areas totaling $30,000 with almost 10 percent of the money coming from the Pearls endowment.

“When smaller amounts are added together, big things can happen,” Simpson said. “After 12 years of grantmaking, Pearls has awarded $384,012 to Davie agencies and non-profit organizations serving women and children. We think Pearls is making a significant positive impact.”

Membership information can be found on the foundation website at www.daviefoundation.org/pearls/  More members equate to more impact.

To learn more, contact Simpson at (336) 753-6903 or jsimpson@daviefoundation.org or visit www.daviefoundation.org.