Inspiring the Next Generation of Giving
Whether you attended Penn State in York or elsewhere, or whether you have experienced the impact of Penn State York as a community member, you know that our campus is a catalyst for change. You can make change happen, too, as a member of the Penn State York Women’s Philanthropic Network (WPN). Welcoming both established donors and new donors making their first gift, the WPN brings women together, both face-to-face and with technology, to unite their financial power in a collective voice—to create, nurture, and transform Penn State York through philanthropy and encourage the development of women as philanthropic leaders.
Learn
Each year, the Penn State York chancellor presents the WPN with requests from the campus community that address needs as basic as scholarship sup-port for students and as diverse as funding for academic programs, athletics, student life activities, and community outreach endeavors. The WPN considers those initiatives that meet both the mission and the strategic imperatives established by the campus leadership team. Grant applications are accompanied by two-minute videos for members to hear directly from the applicant how the WPN can positively impact their program or project. Applicants and past recipients, including students associated with the programs or projects funded, are invited to WPN events to provide members with information and the opportunity to ask questions.
Engage
You can engage with the funding process through conversations with the chancellor, each other, and the campus community representatives requesting grants. Special WPN committees provide additional engagement experiences. One such committee is the Pennsylvania Women’s Conference Selection Committee. You will be introduced to students applying to become part of a select group that attend this professional conference in Philadelphia and are awarded junior WPN memberships. Our members also enjoy opportunities to become mentors—with their fellow WPN members and Penn State York students.
Give
Members are required to make annual gifts of cash (checks, credit cards, appreciated securities) that are directed to the priorities and goals established for the WPN. A portion of your donation may be utilized to support and sustain the activities of the WPN. If your employer has a matching gift policy, those matching gifts count toward your membership level for the year. The following link is provided on the WPN page on the Penn State York website to facilitate electronic giving.
Network
As a WPN member, you can become engaged in networking activities at whatever level you desire. Our focus is on providing opportunities to net-work, learn, and have fun together. Whether you are a seasoned member or a GOLD (graduate of the last decade) member, you will enjoy the diversity of the group and the diversity incorporated into the event schedule, which includes activities such as leadership training, personal discovery and wellness seminars, retreats, keynote speakers, and special meet and greet events associated with performances at the Pullo Center Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center).
Celebrate
Throughout the year, events on and off campus will be hosted by campus leadership for members to meet award recipients and celebrate the WPN’s philanthropic successes. Current members are encouraged to invite friends, family, and colleagues to attend the celebrations as their guests and to become future members of the WPN.
Membership Levels of Giving
GOLD (graduate of the last decade) Membership
$100
Sapphire Membership
$500–$2499
Diamond Membership
$2500+
Junior Membership (Penn State York student membership— opportunity provided through recommendations and qualifying activities)
Sponsored
Contributions are accepted throughout the year. Awards to support campus entities and initiatives will be announced in July and will be based on the WPN’s funding balance as of June 30
Messages from Charter Members
“I’m proud to be associated with this dynamic group dedicated to the development of women as philanthropic leaders – discovering the power of giving together to support the Penn State York community!” –Carol Tanzola, Charter Member.
“Our family’s ties to Penn State are deep, and we know how the Penn State experience can make such a positive impact on the lives of not only Penn State students, but the communities throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. I am delighted that the York Women’s Circle of Giving at Penn State York gives me a unique chance to help extend that impact.” –Susan Allen, Charter Member
