What started as a simple idea among a group of women in late 2004 has blossomed into a powerful force for change in North Louisiana. The Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN), Shreveport’s first female-led giving circle, marks its 20th soon, celebrating two decades of impactful giving and community building.
In 2005, a handful of passionate women came together with a vision to pool their charitable resources and make a significant impact on education in their community. Their dedication and enthusiasm quickly attracted the support of numerous area women, leading to the formation of the WPN. By the end of its first year, the network boasted over 150 charter members and awarded its inaugural grant of $111,000 to support educational initiatives.
Since then, the WPN has continued to grow and thrive, granting over $1.4 million to educational initiatives in Caddo Parish and nurturing an endowment exceeding $600,000 for future grantmaking. This remarkable achievement underscores the network’s commitment to creating lasting change and addressing the most pressing needs in the community.
Central to the WPN’s mission is its annual grantmaking process, where members pool their dues to fund high-impact educational initiatives. Additionally, the network hosts various events throughout the year to educate members and the community about local needs and opportunities, fostering a culture of informed philanthropy.
As the WPN enters its third decade of service, it remains steadfast in its dedication to building a stronger future for North Louisiana. Membership in the network offers individuals of all generations and philanthropic capacities the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in their community. Those interested in joining or learning more about the WPN and its upcoming events can visit cfnla.org/wpn.
About the Women’s Philanthropy Network
Established in 2005, the Women’s Philanthropy Network (WPN) brings together local women to leverage their charitable giving and address pressing issues in North Louisiana. Through annual dues, members contribute to a grant pool that supports educational initiatives in the community. To date, the WPN has granted over $1.4 million to local educational programs. For more information, contact [email protected].