Officers
Pat Krug
President
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA because I believed in the power of collective philanthropy—how my individual contribution, combined with others, could make a meaningful difference in our community. The simplicity mattered too: no required meetings, no fundraising. Paying my dues and voting on grant finalists fit perfectly into a busy life.
Why I Stay in WGA:
I’ve now been a member for 13 years. For my first seven, I simply participated by paying my dues and voting for the grant finalist, knowing I was still making a difference in our
community. When I had more time, I joined the Grant Committee, where three years of service opened my eyes to both the depth of nonprofit need in our community and the
extraordinary impact WGA has made. I realized that growing our membership would allow us to do even more, so when asked to serve as Membership Chair, I readily agreed. Three years later, I am honored to now serve as your Board President. Today, WGA offers meaningful social and educational opportunities to connect, with members choosing their level of involvement—always without mandatory meetings or
fundraising. As we continue to grow, our collective philanthropy is truly changing lives across Kootenai County.
El Lyons
Vice President
Why I Joined WGA:
I was new to CDA. Some new friends suggested I join--to meet people,
contribute to the community, and to learn more about my new town. So I did. They also said that the Grants Committee was the best way to learn more, so I joined that, too.
Why I Stay in WGA:
My new friends were right! WGA and its grants committee have been a great way to learn more about CDA and the wide-ranging good work being done by local nonprofits. I feel I'm a part of an organization making a positive impact on the community. And I've met some wonderful people who share my commitment to contributing to our local area.
Joan Woodard
Treasurer
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA at the urging of two friends who brought me along to a few events where I saw firsthand the impact of the group's collective philanthropy mission.
Why I Stay at WGA:
I stay with WGA because I value the impact we make with our large grants and for the benefit of
learning about the nonprofits in Kootenai County, so my own philanthropy can be more
meaningful.
Barbara Neely
Secretary
Why I Joined WGA:
I feel that WGA is a way you can really make a difference and provide support to a charity that is really struggling.
A large grant allows a non-profit to plan for the future and to take on a larger project that will enhance their services.
Board
JoAnne Baldwin
Communications Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA because my mom believed in the power of collective giving, and not only modeled generosity, but invited me to be an active participant in making my community
better.
Why I Stay in WGA:
I stay because I believe we can do more together, there is always more to learn, and always more to give. I think we’re just getting started in encouraging the people of Kootenai County to care more deeply for one another by supporting amazing organizations addressing important needs.
Laura Umthun
Education Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined the Women’s Gift Alliance because I feel strongly this is a group of women who
work together to make a real, tangible difference in our community. WGA’s mission statement aligns with my values. I believe in the power of collective philanthropy as an efficient way to help financially support community nonprofits who provide valuable services to North Idaho residents.
Why I Stay at WGA:
I stay because it is inspiring to see the results of real change and fulfills my desire to give back in a positive way.
Allie Lee
Grant Committee
Co-Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
My parents taught me to strive to improve my community through philanthropic activities. The idea of making impactful change by combining my funds with the other members was very
compelling.
Why I Stay in WGA:
Becoming a member and then Co-Chair of the Grant Committee has made me so much more aware of all the wonderful nonprofits we have in the community also striving to improve the lives of our residents. And I truly treasure the friendships I’ve made within the Women’s Gift Alliance.
Chris Quinn
Grant Committee
Co-Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA after reading a CDA Press Story about the grant awards. I thought it was a great way to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
Why I Stay in WGA:
II joined the grant committee in my first year as a member. It was a wonderful experience to review and discuss grant applications, participate in site visits, and ultimately select the top applicants to go forward for a full membership vote. The entire process highlights the amazing work nonprofits and their dedicated staff and volunteers do in our county. I stay a WGA member as I see how our contributions make a
significant difference to our community.
Amy Bartoo
Membership Chair
Kristin Von Till
Member At-Large
Christina Long
Administrative Coordinator
Why I Joined WGA:
I have been observing the work of WGA for 25 years and have admired the solid commitment the group has maintained to grow the impact they are able to make on our beloved community.
Why I Stay at WGA:
After having spent 20 years directing a local nonprofit, I know first hand the value that large grants can provide to make a substantial impact on the work that nonprofits are able to accomplish. Nonprofits spend an incredible amount of time and energy writing grants for $1,000-$2,500 that trickle in which make it difficult to plan long term. WGA provides the impetus to make big changes that ultimately impacts our community more quickly and sustainably.
Janice Baldwin
Emerita Board Member
Janet Robnett
Emerita Board Member
history
In March of 2004, Janice Baldwin and seven visionary women established the Women's Gift Alliance of Kootenai County. The goal of this endeavor was two-fold:
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to enable women to pool their financial resources in order to make large focused gifts to improve the community
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to teach women about giving and developing skills as engaged and informed philanthropists.
In 2005, 52 women served as the founding members of the Women's Gift Alliance.
The membership voted to award its first pooled grant of $26,000 to Kootenai County Search and Rescue Council.
As of 2025, WGA has gifted over $1,907,792 back to the community through its pooled grant fund and individually designated gifts of the membership. Over 100 different organizations have received funds through pooled fund grants and individually designated gifts of the membership. Countless women in the region have been given the opportunity to give through WGA and to gain a deeper knowledge of the greatest needs in Kootenai County.