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MARION CIRCLE
The Marion Circle is named in honor of one of Washington Area Women’s Foundation’s founding mothers, Marion Ballard, and was established to unite philanthropists who share a commitment to advancing the vision, programs, and priorities of the Foundation.

A Community of Visionary Change-Makers

Giving is about so much more than a financial commitment. As a member of the Marion Circle, you are a strategic partner in transforming the lives of women and girls of color across the Washington region and beyond. 

Your leadership gift of $5,000+ annually drives high-impact solutions, from teaching new skills that build confidence and create opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs to expanding financial inclusion and improving access to affordable child care and education. Your support strengthens The Women’s Foundation’s ability to act with urgency and scale.

Throughout our more than 25-year history, we have seen countless supporters take the lead to give generously and invest in the power of women and girls in our region. Since our founding, The Women’s Foundation has awarded nearly $18 million in grants to more than 250 local community-based organizations.

As a member, your commitment creates opportunities that would not exist without your leadership and investment in women and girls, from birth to the boardroom.

Exclusive Benefits & Member Experience

We recognize that you have many options for your philanthropic investment, and we are deeply grateful that you have chosen to invest in The Women’s Foundation. With that in mind, every Marion Circle benefit has been thoughtfully curated to honor your generosity, deepen your engagement, and connect you more closely with our mission-driven impact. Benefits include:

  1. Personal invitations to exclusive Marion Circle gatherings with Foundation leadership
  2. Exclusive invitation to our quarterly Tea with Tamara, an intimate, members-only gathering designed to provide direct access and conversation with our President and CEO, Tamara Wilds Lawson
  3. VIP invitation to our annual State of Women & Girls Breakfast, placing you in the room with Foundation and corporate leaders, along with key policy experts shaping the future for women and girls in our region.
  4. Priority access to issue briefings, strategy conversations, and insider webinars that deepen understanding of impact and needs
  1. Invitations for you and a guest to two (2) signature donor events
  2. Special recognition opportunities at select Foundation events
  3. Acknowledgment in Women’s Foundation communications (with your consent).

Curated impact stories, data highlights, and updates on how your leadership gift is advancing transformational change

These benefits not only honor your generosity, but also deepen your connection to the most effective solutions advancing economic security through research, grant-making, and advocacy.

ABOUT MARION

Marion Ballard exemplifies community leadership and  philanthropy. She served as Chair of the Board of  Washington Area Women’s Foundation from 2000 to 2002.

Marion is a visionary, connector and friend. Through The  Marion Circle, we also honor the memory of Marion’s husband Rick Ballard. Together Marion and Rick helped to build the foundation into a successful organization and introduced hundreds of friends to the  importance of investing in women and girls.

Join The Marion Circle or Renew Your Support Today

If you’re ready to elevate your philanthropic investment in the power of women and girls in our region, or would like to renew your Marion Circle membership, please make your gift below:

Questions? Please contact our Director of Development, Crystal Rucker, at development@wawf.org.