The Mathews Women’s Giving Circle awarded a total of $55,000 in grants for the 2025 year in November, supporting organizations which support the well-being of women and families in Mathews County.
“As we have grown in number and in recognition, so have our requests for grant money,” said Mary Chapman, who co-chairs the charitable group along with Beth Johnson. “This year, requests exceeded $100,000, a big increase from past years.”
This year’s grants included:
Mathews County Public Schools was awarded a $4,000 grant to purchase inclusive playground equipment for elementary students with special needs.
“I am aware that you all had an abundance of requests for assistance this year and am grateful that the MWGC felt compelled to support our request,” superintendent of schools Dr. David S. Daniel told the group. “Thank you all for continuing to support Mathews County Public Schools. “
Mathews Family YMCA was awarded a $23,750 grant to support a YMCA preschool in Mathews. This initiative aims to provide high-quality early childhood education that fosters development, creativity, and a love of learning in young children, a release stated.
“Thank you so much for this wonderful news and for your continued belief in the Mathews Family YMCA Preschool,” YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas’ VP of Child Care Caitlyn Levins wrote to the group. “This support will have a direct and meaningful impact on the children and families we serve—helping us strengthen access to high-quality early learning and ensuring that families in Mathews County have a safe, nurturing, and enriching option for their preschoolers.”
The Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic was awarded a $12,000 grant to support and expand access to dental care for Mathews families. “Thank you all so much for this tremendous support,” GMCC Executive Director Arlene Armentor wrote. “We are very much looking forward to being able to expand access to dental care for Mathews residents, and I look forward to updating you on our progress.”
The Mathews County Victim/Witness Assistance Program was awarded a grant of $3,250 to provide assistance navigating the legal/court process to victims and witnesses of crimes in Mathews County. “This is great news and we thank you for the award,” Director Tamara J. Ramirez wrote.
The Bay School Community Arts Center was awarded a grant of $1,500 to support the YMCA Family Preschool art program. “Thank you. We will start planning with this in mind. We appreciate your support,” wrote Bay School’s Executive Director Pam Doss.
Hands Across Mathews was awarded a grant of $8,000 to support the distribution and purchase of nutritious food items for school-aged children during the summer months. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, officers, and volunteers of Hands Across Mathews, I wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the generous grant award your organization has given us. Please convey to your members our gratitude and appreciation for your strong support of our primary mission of helping those families in need here in Mathews County,” wrote HAM Grant Coordinator Michael Carone.
Mathews County 4-H was awarded a grant of $2,000 to support and expand the Teen Leadership Program. “Thank you so much for your support of our 4-H Teen programs. I look forward to hearing from you in the new year on when I can present to your group on our programs,” 4-H Extension Agent Rachel Morris wrote.
The Rural Housing Partnership was awarded a grant of $500 to support accessibility repair for restricted senior women. “Thank you very much for supporting Rural Housing Partnership,” wrote executive director Babs Zuhowski. “Because of community grant funders like Mathews Women’s Giving Circle, we are able to keep elderly citizens safer in their homes.”
Established in 2018, the Mathews Women’s Giving Circle awards grants for a variety of nonprofit organization initiatives. For more on the group, as well as information on joining the effort, visit www.cfrichmond.org/discover/faces-of-philanthropy/giving-circles/mathews-women.