"Know Your Org" is an informational series designed to spotlight some of the wonderful organizations in our community. This month, we are highlighting Giving Hope, Women's Giving Circle.
Twenty years ago, a core group of 13 women recognized the need in this community to fund smaller organizations that help women and children in our area.
Together, with about 65 founding members, they started Giving Hope, Women’s Giving Circle, which now provides grants to local organizations helping with literacy, shelter and programming for victims of domestic violence, filling clothing and food needs for school children, supporting libraries, preschool for low-income children, mental health and more.
“Our mission is to help local women, children and families by providing grants to smaller organizations that provide that help in Plymouth, Canton, Northville and Western Wayne County,” said Karen Hanchett, Giving Hope’s chair. “Over the last 20 years, we’ve given over $220,000 in grants.”
Some of the local charities they have supported include The Education Excellence Foundation, American Society for Suicide Prevention Camp, Goodfellows, Salvation Army, Fleece and Thank You, Courageous Kids, Starfish Family Services, Canton Public Library, Growth Works, Foster Closet and many others.
In 2026, they have about $15,000 to award through their grants. Each organization seeking a grant is vetted through Local Impact Alliance, which facilitates the grant process. The grant application period usually runs from March to April, with grants awarded in early summer. It is open to any organization assisting women and families in Western Wayne County. They also have an emergency fund that can be accessed when Local Impact Alliance finds a pressing need.
“Last year we gave $2,000 to the Salvation Army for summer day camp scholarships for low-income families,” said Karen. “We gave $2,000 to the school radio station to upgrade some of their equipment. We gave $3,000 to the New Day Foundation to help families with financial problems fill the gap in cancer care. We gave $3,000 to Growth Works for a program focused on family stability for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and we gave $3,000 to St. Vincent DePaul's Homeless program.”
Organizations seeking a grant need to ask for a specific amount for a specific purpose. But Giving Hope, Women’s Giving Circle will also hold what they call “Pass the Purse” fundraisers, where women can donate, and the charity receives whatever amount is donated and can use it however they need.
Giving Hope has four events each year. These are events where they can meet with the community, assess needs and hold fundraisers. “Pass the Purse” is one of those events. Another was a “Hats for the Homeless” event through United Way, where ladies brought in all kinds of hats and cold-weather items. You don’t have to be a member to attend these events and, in fact, even some men have attended (although admittedly very few).
Asked what her organization needs, Karen said, “We need active members who want to be a part of our mission of providing funds for local community charities helping women, children and families.”
For membership questions about Giving Hope, contact Local Impact Alliance at 734 495-1200 or online.
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