Inna Shames and Margie Barber
The Women of Quail Creek (TWOQC)’s highly successful Scholarship Matching Funds Program is launching its fourth year this month!
What is the Scholarship Matching Funds Program?
In late 2023, a small group of donors had a large vision: Wanting to help grow the TWOQC Scholarship Program, they offered a unique incentive: A donation of $40,000 to be used as a two to one matching fund for other TWOQC Scholarship donations. For every $100 donated, the group would donate $200 more. Within a few months and despite minimal fanfare, over $20,000 was collected from hundreds of donors large and small. The end-result? Over $60,000 was added to the 2024 Scholarship Fund!
A Quick History of TWOQC Scholarships:
* It began in 2016 when two scholarships totaling $2,000 were awarded to two high school seniors.
* In 2021, TWOQC became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization to more effectively fulfill its mission as “…a Community of Women dedicated to Learning, Giving, and Engaging.”
* Fast forward to 2026: In 11 years, the organization went from two scholarships totaling $2,000, to 25 scholarships totaling $87,500! And cumulatively since inception, TWOQC has awarded over $400,000 in Scholarships!
Who Receives TWOQC Scholarships?
Recipients of TWOQC Scholarships fall into three categories: 1) HS – young women graduating from Rio Rico, Sahuarita or Walden Grove High Schools, 2) PATH – Progress, Access, Tenacity, & Hope – for prior HS Scholarship recipients needing assistance to continue higher education, and 3) AWE – Advancing Women through Education – for women over 21 seeking additional education or training. Our Scholarships cover tuition only, and all funds are paid directly to the educational institution, which can be a community college, accredited trade or vocational school, four-year college, graduate program, or certification program.
Funds for Scholarships are raised through our annual Javelina Hoedown (Coming Nov. 4 … Save the Date!) and through generous donations from our members and supporters, including those participating in this Program.
Donating to the Matching Funds Program
The fund matches donations two to one, so every $100 dollars you donate puts $300 into the Scholarship Fund! Want an even bigger “bang for your buck”? You could donate directly from your annual RMD (Required Minimum Distribution). Using this other IRS approved method, known as a Qualified Charitable Donation (QCD), your taxable income will be reduced “above the line” dollar-for-dollar in the amount of your donation, thus providing even larger tax savings, particularly if you do not itemize your deductions.
If you wish to donate and become part of the Matching Funds Program, we would love to hear from you! Please contact Deb Melton, Director of Scholarships, at scholarships@womenqc.com, or visit womenqc.com/matching-funds-campaign.