- March 20, 2026
Volusia County Women Who Care has launched a permanent endowment to help fund local nonprofits.
The VCWWC Endowment was made possible thanks to five private donations and was established in partnership with the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. The donors, referred as Founding Pillars — Tina Buck; Jan and Don Dounda; Andrea and Larry Frank; Irene and George Harrington; and Teresa and Mark Smith — were honored during a launch reception at the Halifax Repertory Theatre.
According to a press release, the endowment will generate long-term operational support.
"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 of 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 model based on $100 member donations per quarter. All of those donations, the press release states, are directed to a member-nominated and member selected local nonprofit.
The endowment is a complement for the giving model, not a replacement, the press release states. As the fund grows, the income generated will support the operational needs of VCWWC.
“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.”
VCWWC quarterly meetings are open to all. The next meetings will be held on May 14, Aug. 13 and Nov. 19. Registration and reception begins at 5 P.M. and the meeting to select the quarter's nonprofit recipient from 6-7 P.M. All meetings are held at the Mori Hosseini Center, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.
