In the spirit of the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month, “Our History is Our Strength,” I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the history of women’s philanthropy specifically, since it is a particularly important part of our organization’s history.

In today’s rundown: 13% of D.C. homes struggle with hunger. | How locals are responding to a proposal to limit welfare benefits and the announcement that a big box store is coming to D.C. | A Women’s Foundation donor is named a Philanthropist of the Year.

I never considered myself a philanthropist until I attended The Women’s Foundation’s 2010 Leadership Luncheon.  That was the day that I discovered there’s something for everyone who wants to give at The Foundation.

In today’s rundown: The NEC releases a new report on women and the economy. | A new study finds that women give significantly more to charity than men. | And you don’t have to have a car to feed the meters in Silver Spring. New parking meters will give MoCo residents a chance to help the homeless.

In today’s rundown: A look at education and neighborhoods in Montgomery County. | The impact of a new Early Childhood Center in Alexandria. | A decline in donations to the 400 largest charities in the nation. | And the new debate over the “culture of poverty.”

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. For the week ending 9/10/2010: Meet “Girlzilla,” the robot created by a group of young women in New York.  Plus, an initiative by one women’s fund to raise money and awareness.

In today’s rundown: A Grantee Partner on the Kojo Nnamdi Show.  |  Local prep schools plan to take action when it comes to relationship violence.  |  What the Giving Pledge has to do with you.

In today’s rundown: Customers vs. philanthropists.  |  $25 million in federal money is earmarked for HIV and AIDS medications.  |  D.C.’s blood supply is critically low and the solution may be younger donors.

When seeing a homeless man or woman, some people debate on whether they should give that person money or not because they assume that it will be used on drugs and alcohol. From my beliefs, I say that is not true. So, I talked to an expert to find the answer.

In today’s rundown: Solutions for the high cost of child care.  |  Promising new legislation that will invest in community colleges.  |  The impact of women’s philanthropy.