Impact Stories

Faith Boettger’s path to collective philanthropy began with her passion for making a meaningful impact in her local community and involvement with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. 

When CFNOVA launched the Business Women’s Giving Circle, the idea of collective giving (also referred to as giving circles) appealed to Faith as a way to meet like-minded women and invest in programs to support girls and women’s success.   Recognizing that her own path faced discouragement in high school about pursuing a math-based career, the idea of inspiring and encouraging others to overcome obstacles was appealing.  As a founding member and the first Chair of CFNOVA’s Business Women’s Giving Circle (BWGC), Faith encouraged the group’s members to make a difference for girls and young women throughout Northern Virginia by applying their collective strength to support STEM programs over the past ten years.

January 9, 2025 (Fairfax, VA)- The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Business Women’s Giving Circle announced five grants to organizations serving the region’s young women and girls in STEM, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Mentorship Programs. To date, BWGC has awarded more than $595,000 in grants that have impacted the lives of over 3,600 young people.

• Only 1.8 percent of charitable giving is dedicated to women and girls, and the share dedicated to women of color is even smaller; approximately 0.5% in the U.S. (Source: Women and Girls Index, 2023)
• In 2021, women represented 35% of the STEM workforce; up from 32% in 2010 (Source: National Science Foundation). Specifically, women make up 25% of jobs in computer science and 15% of jobs in engineering (Source: Pew Research Center, 2021)
• In evaluating STEM programming by impact on girls interest, confidence, competence and value, GirlScounts USA found that participation in even ONE program can make a difference

Sustainability Matters and the Community Foundation have not known each other for very long- a couple of years ago, the Shenandoah-based organization attended a First Tuesdays conversation, an informal half an hour chat that nonprofits can have with members of the Community Foundation staff about development goals, communications, or just for networking with a public sector partner.

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Giving Circle Supports Local Women’s Philanthropy

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Giving Circle Supports Local Women’s Philanthropy

Collective Philanthropy for Local Women

Five Organizations Awarded Grants for STEM Education, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programs

2017 Grantee: Wesley Housing STEM Program Participants

Five Organizations Awarded Grants for STEAM Education, Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programs

Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Giving Circle Supports Local Women’s Philanthropy

Supports Three Organizationis with STEM Education and Entrepreneurship Programs for Girls