As a founding member of the Women’s Giving Fund, we wanted to highlight all that Meg Steele has done for the Women’s Giving Fund and Park City Community Foundation. Since 2014, more than 1,300 people have contributed to the Women’s Giving Fund, which has skyrocketed to over $1,500,000. The fund is endowed by Park City Community Foundation, and grants to local nonprofits are made from its earnings in perpetuity—so Park City women can feel the love of their community for generations to come. Meg Steele was a trailblazer by being one of the first women to pledge her support.
Q: Why do you serve on the Women’s Giving Fund Grants Committee?
A: Well, it is always fun spending money that isn’t yours. Just kidding. I have previous experience with other grant review processes and I love seeing all of the organizations that apply to be considered. It is a great opportunity to watch them grow and develop up close. This is my second year on the grants committee and it’s a two-year term, so in September there will be a call for nominations and I will join the other members for one last meeting to select the committee’s new incoming members.
Q: Do you know the winner in advance?
A: Nope, Ollie is the only person who knows who the winner is in advance of the Grant Celebration. There is always good discussion around all the applicants and semi-finalists but eventually we come to a consensus to select the top three finalists. At that point the final decision is up to the full membership who votes for the winner. I have my own personal favorites and maybe a guess but I never know for sure until it is announced at the party on July 9th.
Q: Why do you choose to support the endowment by being a Wonder Woman?
A: I started giving a little bit each month last fall. I feel that it is important to uplift and support other women in this community. This is a circle of women helping women and there are women that may not have the resources to become members on their own. I think that it is important to help broaden the circle. There is a waiting list of women that have been nominated to be a part of the Women’s Giving Fund and while I can’t fully purchase a membership, I can give a little bit which goes toward the greater good.
Q: You received the Trisha Worthington Award last year. How did that feel?
A: It was a huge surprise! I feel like there are so many people in this community who have made giving back their life’s work and I feel like I just do a little here and a little there. I have to realize that I can’t do it all but I’m a “joiner.” I have phases where I have to say no but I love this community and all that it has to offer. There is a nonprofit for every interest and people can really see themselves in good work. (Meg was honored for her work as a Summit Land Conservancy board member, EpicPromise grants committee member, Park City Rotary Club member, Live PC Give PC Task Force member, Women’s Giving Fund grants committee member, and more.)
Q: What is it about Park City Community Foundation that you love?
A: I love that it supports all of the nonprofits and you don’t have to pick just one or two good causes. It has so much reach. A gift of any size helps support grant programs, ongoing training events, and community-wide initiatives like Live PC Give PC.
If you are interested in becoming a Women’s Giving Fund member or becoming a Wonder Woman, you can make a donation by clicking here or contacting Sam at sam@parkcitycf.org.