Caplan takes new role in Women’s Giving Fund

Courtney Caplan with husband Andrew, daughter Parker, 9, and son Monroe, 5. Photo: Photo courtesy of the Caplan family

Courtney Caplan has worn many hats since moving to Park City in 1999: ski instructor, marketing roles at the Sundance Institute and Park City Chamber of Commerce, and board member of the Park City Community Foundation (PCCF), to name a few.

With the new year comes yet another role: Caplan just took over as Grants Committee Chair of PCCF’s Women’s Giving Fund, which distributes $30k-$40k each year to organizations serving Summit County women and children.

She succeeds Rebeca Gonzalez, who transitioned from the position to join PCCF’s Community Funds Grants Committee.

“We switch around,” Caplan said, explaining that PCCF board and committee members typically take on different roles periodically to continue learning and developing.

The Women’s Giving Fund was formed in 2014 and now has a membership of 1,300 women and a $1.5M endowment.

“That’s a phenomenal amount of money,” Caplan said, “and that will continue.”

Women can join the WGF by making a $1,000 donation and can achieve ‘Wonder Woman’ status through an additional donation of any amount. Caplan’s goals for her new role include growing the WGF membership and increasing its inclusivity by encouraging donors to sponsor a membership for women and girls who otherwise would not be able to participate. 

Giving more women a seat at that table – and a chance to impact grant-making in their own communities – increases the diversity of voices in the fund.

The goal is “to make this as inclusive as we can,” she said.

Another path toward that goal involves highlighting the possibility of new members paying in statements rather than in one $1,000 lump sum, which is prohibitive for some. 

Caplan has been a passionate supporter and member of the WGF since it began, and is eager to helm a committee that she said involves high participation and collaboration among all fund members: the entire membership reviews finalists and votes on which organizations will be awarded grants

With Park City’s booming population growth, Caplan hopes to bring newcomers into the fold and help them connect to this community through the fund as well. Find information about joining at Women’s Giving Fund.

The next application process for non-profits seeking a grant from the WGF begins Jan. 4, and deadline to apply is Feb. 5. For information about applying, click here: Apply to Women’s Giving Fund