Seeds of Strength: Where Collective Giving Blooms

Sixteen years ago, 13 friends decided to turn generosity into action. They pooled their resources, gathered 55 women willing to give $1,000 each, and awarded $55,000 in grants to five Georgetown nonprofits. That simple act of shared purpose blossomed into Seeds of Strength (SoS)—a philanthropic giving circle that has since grown to as many as 300 members in some seasons, and invested nearly $2.4 million in the lives of more than 65,000 Georgetown neighbors.

Unlike traditional fundraising organizations, Seeds of Strength has no corporate sponsors and holds no fundraisers. Every dollar comes directly from members—women who want to see their contributions make a tangible difference close to home.

Each spring, the group awards annual grants to local nonprofits. The 2024 awards totaled $161,500, supporting organizations such as Austin Sunshine Camps, BiG, CASA, Capital IDEA, Faith in Action, The Georgetown Project, YMCA, and A Gift of Time. Together, these programs served more than 1,200 local clients—a testament to how a single contribution can multiply into widespread impact.

How It Works

Nonprofits serving Williamson County may apply for funding through a detailed grant application, available under the Grants tab on the Seeds of Strength website. The board has worked diligently to make the process less intensive and the Grants Committee reviews every submission, ensuring applicants have the capacity and accountability to carry out their proposed projects. Finalists are invited to submit videos outlining their proposals, which are distributed to all members who then vote online. Winners are announced at the May event. Following the award, each nonprofit is assigned a program manager who monitors progress throughout the year. 

“Any time you get a determined group of women together, we’re absolutely going to change the world.” ~Cat Phelps, Executive Director Georgetown Family YMCA

Membership & Annual Events

Membership in Seeds of Strength is open to any woman who wishes to give—no invitation required. Contributions begin at $300, and members may join at any time throughout the year. Funds collected by March 1 go toward the next grant cycle, with new grants awarded each spring.

The organization’s fiscal year begins July 1, celebrated with the Fall Luncheon, where members and guests renew, reconnect, and rekindle their passion for giving. Other signature events include:

• December Holiday Party. A fabulous event for members and potential members and grant recipients. The 2025 event is December 3 from 5–7pm at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick. The Founder’s Grant winner will be announced. This is a new award created to honor the  time, energy and exceptional work that each grant applicant provides. Each December SOS Founders Grant committee chooses from among applicants not awarded a grant in May for the Founders Grant award. Last year’s $5,000 first recipient was Simple Sparrow Care Farm. 
• Wine, Women, Chocolate & Giving (February) – a fun mid-year membership mixer.
• Annual Awards Luncheon (May)Recipients share stories of lives touched by SoS grants.

Rooted in Service

From funding youth programs and senior services to supporting education and family well-being, Seeds of Strength lives up to its motto: A Circle of Women Empowering Change.

2025 Kickoff

This year’s Fall Luncheon marked the official kickoff of the 2025–26 giving season, welcoming more than 100 members and guests to celebrate another year of generosity and impact. It was an afternoon of inspiration, storytelling, and friendship—an invitation for every attendee to join the next wave of women who will help shape Georgetown’s future.

“When I saw the difference SoS made for local nonprofits, I knew I wanted
to be part of it.” ~ Janet Hall Hewlett, Board Member

“A friend invited me, and I was moved by what I saw. The work we do is so compelling—you can see the impact in people’s lives.” ~ Barbie Sproull, Board of Directors

“It touched my soul to see how many organizations are quietly doing extraordinary things for our community.” ~ Marsi Liddell, Past President

How to Join

• Who: Any woman passionate about giving
• Minimum Gift: $300 annually
• When: Join any time; donations before March 1 apply to the current giving cycle
• Follow: @seedsofstrength on Facebook and seedsofstrength_gtx on Instagram
• Where: SeedsOfStrength.org