The Women's Giving Alliance raised $750,000 for nonprofits that protect women and girls across Northeast Florida, the organization announced as it marks 25 years.

The fundraising push started with a challenge from co-founder Delores Barr Weaver, a Jacksonville philanthropist who pledged $150,000 and encouraged others to match her donation, according to 104.5 WOKV. The WGA's website described the pledge as a 1-to-1 match for donations to the grants pool of up to $150,000, offered through Sept. 30. The organization plans to distribute the $750,000 through grants in 2027.

Women's Giving Alliance President Sabeen Perwaiz said the organization reached its goal in July, during an interview on WOKV's In Depth with Kristine Bellino. Donations ranged from $25 to a gift of $500,000, according to the report.

Safety grants ahead

The alliance's current priority is women's safety. That includes preventing violence, supporting victims and helping young girls recognize dangerous situations, Perwaiz said. She discussed concerns including domestic violence, human trafficking and cyberbullying in Northeast Florida.

The organization chooses a new focus area every five to seven years. Women's safety was selected last year, and the group is in its second year of awarding grants under that theme, according to Perwaiz.

The alliance does not provide services directly. It awards grants to local organizations that specialize in helping women and girls, reviewing applications to ensure programs reach people of different ages and backgrounds, Perwaiz said.

How the alliance works

The Women's Giving Alliance is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Five women founded it in 2001, according to the organization's website.

Members contribute $1,500 annually. Women under 40 can join for $750 during their first year. No invitation is needed.

Wanda Willis, vice president of civic leadership at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, said more than 350 women volunteer their time to support the organization's work, according to the WOKV report. The organization also holds an endowment worth approximately $7.6 million, Willis said.

Perwaiz, who also serves as CEO of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance, said nonprofits are dealing with uncertainty around state and federal funding, changing regulations and possible policy changes.

The alliance's membership renewal period runs from Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.