Who We Are

RWF was co-founded in Roanoke, Virginia, by local philanthropists Ginny Jarrett and Kandy Elliott, who, along with five other founding members, share a deep commitment to our community.

We are a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation and we pool individual donations into large, high-impact grants to area non-profit organizations. All members vote on the recipients. We provide grants ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000.

Since 2005, we have awarded grants totaling $5,693,617. Any woman can join – no invitation needed!

Ginny and Kandy

Our Mission and Why We Started

Our mission, as a 100% volunteer organization, is to invest collaboratively in our community and positively impact the area’s quality of life.

RWF was founded to offer women in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas an avenue to become leaders in the field of philanthropy, and to offer a model for collaborative giving in response to the needs of our community. Our organization is based on a philanthropy model started in Seattle, Washington in 1995 and since replicated in other cities around the country. We are proud members of Philanos, a nationwide network of women’s collective giving groups.

Service Area

RWF funding supports non-profit organizations in Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Botetourt County, Craig County, Floyd County, and Franklin County, Virginia. RWF supports grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment, and health and human services.

2025 Board Members

Betsy Whitney, President
Dawn Erdman, Vice President
Lee Woody, Secretary
Donna Littlepage, Treasurer
Ginger Ashton
Julie Dudley
Ann Green
Jackie Kinder
Paula Prince
Audrey Stone
Kay Strickland

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join?

Roanoke Women’s Foundation is open to any woman who makes the commitment to support the organization by making a $2,100 annual membership donation.

How are funding decisions made?

We look for critical needs, new ventures, and innovative approaches to solving problems. The RWF Grants Committee evaluates proposals and selects projects for an organization-wide ballot. Voting takes place annually in autumn. The projects selected reflect the diverse interests of the membership.

Can I vote on this year’s grants?

Yes! If your annual membership donation is paid by June 30, you are eligible to vote in the fall of that year. Those who choose to join after the June 30 deadline are still considered full members, are welcome to attend the Annual Awards Presentation, and can participate in other events and committees as they wish.

How do I pay?

The annual membership donation is $2,100. Members may pay online or by check. All payments are tax deductible for the full amount paid. Membership donations may be made annually, semi-annually, or quarterly. RWF accepts payments by check, credit card, and stock transfer. Roanoke Women’s Foundation EIN # is 32-0636004.

RWF is proud to be a member of Philanos

RWF is Sponsored by

Roanoke Women’s Foundation
P.O. Box 8976
Roanoke, Virginia 24014

info@roanokewomensfoundation.org

Copyright © 2025 Roanoke Women's Foundation. All rights reserved.
Roanoke Women’s Foundation may at times use photographs or video recordings of members for the purposes of publicity via social media, the internet and print publications. If you have any questions, please contact info@roanokewomensfoundation.org.