Membership Types
Women gather. Women give. Women change.
Handbags That Help (HTH) is a women’s giving circle dedicated to building strong families and increasing philanthropy in Hancock County.
We are a group of women who pool our dollars, decide together where to give, and learn together about our community and philanthropy.
Dollars given to the Community since 2008: $771,322
How We Give
- A portion of annual membership fees is pooled to fund grants.
- A grants committee forms and evaluates worthy projects, which it submits to the membership for a vote.
- HTH does not limit its grantmaking to women’s causes, but looks for:
- Responses to urgent and critical need
- Bold new ventures
- New approaches to problems
- Every dollar collected through membership contributions is granted every year.
Individual Full Member - $550
Standard individual membership with one full vote.
Group Membership - $300 per group member
Two individuals share one membership and one shared vote.
Discovery Member - $200 (year 1-2), $350 (year 3)
A four-year transitional membership offering financial accessibility and one full vote. Discovery members may transition early to a Group Membership, but may not return to Discovery afterward.
Legacy Member - $300
For members with five consecutive years of participation, Legacy allows continued engagement at an adjusted level due to life changes such as retirement, caregiving responsibilities, medical challenges, reduced income, or relocation. It includes one full vote and, when possible, encourages mentoring new members through Group Membership.
Each membership level includes a $50 administrative fee.
Grants Given
Handbags That Help has awarded $771,322 since its first year of grantmaking in 2008. Each is a seed the giving circle planted that continues to blossom into strong families in our community. See the most recent round of grants below.
2025 – $45,000 total grants awarded
Cancer Patient Services - $14,000
- Supplemental protein smoothies for local cancer patients.
City Mission of Findlay - $17,000
- Playground area and equipment for Martha's Home.
Owens Community College Foundation - $5,000
- Creative curriculum at Owens Learning Center.
Welcome to A New Life - $9,000
- Clothing and essentials closet for WNL clients.
Meeting Dates
November 11, 2026
Grant Reports and Program Meeting
- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
- Lunch provided
March 10, 2027
Members-Only Meeting: Potential Grantee Presentations and Voting
- 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Marathon Center for the Performing Arts
- Lunch provided
April 14, 2027
Celebration Meeting
- 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Findlay Country Club
