In 2006, a small but dedicated group of women gathered to form a group with the sole purpose of sharing their philanthropic excitement with other women in giving back to The Ohio State University. Today the group numbers over 120 and is growing. Co-chairs Cindy Hilsheimer and Lou Ann Moritz Ransom invite you to be a part of the many ways that we are helping to shape the world in which we live.

This is a time when the largest transfer of wealth ever seen is happening. Women are a big part of that mix. Their impact is growing. Their ability is increasing—to take action in their own names, to build a legacy, to heal the world, to set a shining example for others to follow, now and into the future.

Women & Philanthropy is dedicated to educating its members about areas of extraordinary excellence at Ohio State, involving them in the vibrant life of the university, and helping them to realize and celebrate their personal philanthropic abilities by investing together in the people of Ohio State and the work that they do.

Now in its sixth year, Ohio State's Women & Philanthropy program has provided funding for The Center for Women’s Health, Spinal Cord Rehabilitation, the Thompson Library renovation, New Parents of Autism, Stand Up for Shakespeare, and much more. In the past five years, the program has given over $500,000 to areas of excellence at the university.

“Women & Philanthropy is a wonderful way to connect to Ohio State and all that it has to offer the Columbus community," says Teckie Shackelford. "I am amazed at every meeting how much I learn, the connections I make, and breadth and depth of knowledge gained from valuable resources.” Teckie is a founding member of Women & Philanthropy and, along with Barbara Trueman, was inaugural co-chair for the group.

Ohio State’s Women & Philanthropy program (fund 312147) inspires women to discover the power of giving together.  Each member of the program contributes a minimum of $1,000 annually, which is deposited into a pooled fund. Throughout the year, members are invited to hear and learn about select areas of interest from across the university. The Program Committee, led by Ida Copenhaver, sets the year’s presentations from a diverse offering of areas in need of funding. Members then vote on how the fund should be distributed, culminating in the Awards Celebration when recipients are notified of their awards. An incoming freshman is also chosen by the Scholarship Committee, led by Floradelle Pfahl, and is the recipient of a four-year Women & Philanthropy Scholarship.

“Women & Philanthropy...educates and informs its membership; it is democratically directed when determining who receives grants; it can be a social and networking tool for woman and it also enables us to work cohesively as a group to improve the quality of experience at The Ohio State University," says Joy Gonsiorowski, membership chair. "I would encourage all my friends to become members."

“When we engage in collaborative giving, the import and impact of the gift becomes much greater than simply financial," says Barbara Fergus. "You are creating positive change and underwriting inspired leadership."

Women are increasingly making their voices heard. Now is the time for The Ohio State University Women & Philanthropy program to enlarge our thinking, to envision not just a solution to the problems we can see but a betterment of the world for our children and our children's children. Now is the time to think globally about the problems we can repair and the future we can create. We invite you to join us and be a part of something great.

For more information, contact Sue Riley at riley.280@osu.edu or visit giveto.osu.edu/women. Make a gift of any amount to Women & Philanthropy online now, or become a member with a $1,000 minimum contribution.