Daytona Beach, Fla. – Volusia County Women Who Care (VCWWC), the all‑volunteer giving circle known for directing hundreds of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits through the collective power of member donations, has launched the VCWWC Endowment, a permanent fund designed to fuel the organization’s mission for generations.
The Endowment was launched with leadership gifts from five Founding Pillars – Tina Buck; Jan and Don Dounda; Andrea and Larry Frank; Irene and George Harrington; and Teresa and Mark Smith – who were honored during a launch reception at the Halifax Repertory Theater. The new endowment, established in partnership with the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties (CF/UWVFC), will generate long‑term operational support, allowing the giving circle to continue its work without ever touching member donations.
“Our members have always known that when they write that $100 check, every single penny goes to a Volusia County nonprofit – no exceptions, no overhead, no dollars leaving home,” said Teresa Smith, Founder and President, Volusia County Women Who Care. “The VCWWC Endowment is how we make sure that model outlasts all of us. We’re not just giving to today’s community. We’re investing in the one our daughters and granddaughters will live in.”
Since its founding, VCWWC has operated on a simple but powerful model: each member contributes $100 per quarter, and 100% of those donations are directed to a member-nominated and member-selected local 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The result is a concentrated, meaningful gift delivered directly to a Volusia County organization every quarter – with no overhead deducted and no dollars leaving the community.
The VCWWC Endowment complements – but does not replace – that giving model. As the fund grows over time, the income it generates will support the operational needs of VCWWC, ensuring the all-volunteer organization can continue facilitating its powerful model of collective giving without financial strain. In short: more stability behind the scenes means more impact in the community, quarter after quarter.
“Volusia County Women Who Care represents exactly the kind of community-driven, locally-led philanthropy we work to support and sustain,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President and CEO, CF/UWVFC. “The VCWWC Endowment ensures this remarkable giving model will empower local nonprofits – and the families they serve – for decades to come. This is generosity with staying power.”
The community is invited to be part of this momentum, as VCWWC quarterly meetings are open to all. Remaining 2026 dates are May 14, August 13, and November 19, with registration and reception beginning at 5:00 PM and the meeting to select the quarter’s nonprofit recipient from 6:00–7:00 PM. All meetings are held at the Mori Hosseini Center, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.
Community members who want to help secure the future of this giving circle — and the nonprofits it uplifts – can give to the VCWWC Endowment at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/CqT_DA?vid=1ou3nx.
