Philanthropy collective supports 85 nonprofits with $1 million in Kent County

More than 85 Kent County nonprofits have received funding from a group of women who meet four times a year, combine their donations, and vote on where the money can help the most. Working together, they have given more than $1 million to local organizations.

The milestone comes after 13 years of quarterly meetings hosted by Women Who Care of Kent County. The group of more than 150 members celebrated the achievement during the organization’s June 3 meeting at Kent Country Club.

Sharon Stiansen and Kathy Florentine started the local organization in 2013 after being inspired by the late Karen Dunigan, who founded the first 100 Women Who Care chapter in Jackson. Women Who Care now has 813 giving circles around the world that have donated nearly $69 million to charitable organizations.

“What began as a simple idea, women gathering together to make a difference, has grown into something truly extraordinary,” says Jessica Tomac, steering committee chair for Women Who Care of Kent County. “Reaching the $1 million mark is a testament to the generosity, compassion, and commitment of our members. Every dollar represents lives touched, organizations strengthened, and a community made better because women chose to care together.”

At every quarterly gathering, members submit names of a nonprofit. Three names are drawn, and the member who submitted the organization’s name gives a five-minute presentation on what that organization does. Members then vote to choose a recipient, and each member writes a $100 check directly to that organization.

The organization has helped nonprofits that provide housing, food, youth programs, mental health services, education, family support, and other community programs. Its giving model shows how people can make a bigger difference by combining their donations and deciding together where the money should go.

‘Extraordinary impact’

Stiansen says the organization’s growth shows that Dunigan’s vision continues to inspire women to give back to their communities.

“When we started Women Who Care of Kent County, we believed that ordinary women, coming together with a shared purpose, could create extraordinary impact,” Stiansen says. “To see this organization surpass $1 million in giving is beyond anything we imagined. Karen Dunigan’s vision continues to inspire communities everywhere, and I’m incredibly proud of what our members have accomplished together.”

Hank Meijer, executive chairman of Meijer Inc., joined members at the June 3 milestone celebration, speaking about how giving can strengthen communities. Dunigan’s sisters, Jane Uhila and Patty Sete, also attended the celebration to honor her legacy.

Women Who Care of Kent County welcomes new members. Members are asked to commit $400 in donations a year – $100 at each quarterly meeting.

Rapid Growth caught up with Jessica Tomac to talk about the organization’s milestone and the collaborations that made it possible.

Rapid Growth: Women Who Care of Kent County has now surpassed $1 million in donations. Looking back over the past 13 years, what does this milestone mean to you and the members who made it possible?

Jessica Tomac: Surpassing $1 million in donations is an incredible milestone and a testament to the power of collective giving. It reflects the dedication, generosity, and shared commitment of our members to make a meaningful impact right here in our community. Each gathering and each contribution has built on the last, creating real change for local organizations and the people they serve. For our members, this milestone isn’t just about the dollars raised – it’s about the relationships formed, the awareness created, and the lasting difference we’ve made together. It’s truly inspiring to see what can happen when a group of committed individuals comes together with a shared purpose.

RG: The organization has supported more than 85 nonprofits. Are there a few stories that illustrate how these gifts have made a difference in the community?

JT: There are so many incredible examples that highlight the impact of our collective giving. Over the years, we’ve helped fund the repair and distribution of durable medical equipment, ensuring individuals and families can access essential items at no cost – something that can truly change day-to-day quality of life.

We’ve also supported programs focused on at-risk youth, providing mentorship and guidance that creates positive paths forward and helps prevent involvement in the justice system. Those kinds of early interventions can alter the trajectory of a young person’s life.

In addition, we’ve contributed to important mental health initiatives, helping expand access to care and resources at a time when those services are more critical than ever.

What makes these stories so powerful is that they represent real people in our community – neighbors, families, and individuals – whose lives have been directly impacted. When you put all of those stories together, it really shows how meaningful our collective efforts have been.

RG: One important aspect of Women Who Care is that members choose which organizations receive funding. What have you learned about the needs and priorities of Kent County through that process?

JT: One of the biggest things we’ve learned is that there truly is a need across all areas of Kent County. There are so many organizations doing meaningful work, but it can be difficult for individuals to fully understand where those needs are when life gets busy.

What’s so unique about Women Who Care is that it creates a simple and powerful way to stay informed and engaged. At each meeting, members are introduced to three nonprofits they may not have otherwise heard of, giving them insight into different challenges and opportunities within our community.

This process not only empowers members where to direct funding, but it also broadens awareness and connection. It’s a reminder that even small amounts of time and effort, when combined, can make a significant and lasting impact.

RG: Karen Dunigan’s vision inspired giving circles around the world. How has that simple idea of women giving together helped strengthen local nonprofits and philanthropy in Kent County?

JT: Karen Dunigan’s vision is a perfect example of how a simple idea can create a powerful ripple effect. The concept of women coming together, each making a gift, has strengthened local nonprofits by providing them with meaningful funding that can be put to use immediately where it’s needed most.

It’s also helped shine a light on smaller or lesser-known nonprofits that may not always have access to large-scale funding. By giving them a platform to share their mission, Women Who Care has expanded awareness and support far beyond a single donation.

Ultimately, that simple idea has empowered individuals to realize that they don’t need to give on a massive scale to make a difference—when they give together, the impact is significant and lasting for nonprofits and the community as a whole.

RG: What types of community needs or nonprofit initiatives do you hope Women Who Care will support in the years ahead?

JT: We really hope to continue supporting a wide range of needs across our community, because the reality is that those needs are always evolving. Whether it’s access to basic essentials like healthcare and equipment, support for mental health, or programs that invest in youth and prevent future challenges, there is no shortage of meaningful work to be done.

Looking ahead, our goal is to keep building awareness, connection, and momentum around local philanthropy. If we can continue bringing women together, introducing them to impactful organizations, and making it easy to give collectively, we know we can keep making a meaningful difference in the lives of people throughout Kent County.