Good is universal, timeless and objective. Because it mirrors God, good is good.

The Lancaster County Women for Good (LCWG) group knows some things about the concept of doing good. It's part of the all-volunteer organization's mission, purpose and reason for existing.

"We use that word a lot, 'good,'" said Anna Horst, the chairperson of the five-member board that oversees LCWG's operations. "It's in our name. I think it's safe to say our connections and providing nonprofits with resources is part of the good we aim to do. I think there are a number of nonprofits in Lancaster County who have amazing missions. They're real people trying to help real people. They are problems that a majority of us would agree need to be solved. Maybe we need to be more clear by what we mean by 'good.'"

LCWG, which does not operate from a physical office or building, conducts more than 15 membership events each year, including one on the second Wednesday of each month, at various locations throughout the county. Those events revolve around the process of providing grants generated through membership dues and social fundraisers to local nonprofits.

"We have a shared purpose to benefit others outside of our group," said Horst, a resident of Lititz. "The mission is a unifying thing. The women of the group are generous and genuinely curious. It's special to get together with a group of women and have purpose."

LCWG provides one grant to a Lancaster County nonprofit in each quarter of the year. LCWG members nominate worthy nonprofits and a general vote of the membership determines three finalists. After the participating nonprofits make presentations about the merits of their missions, LCWG votes again to determine that quarter's grant recipient.

Typically, the grants range between $4,800 and $7,100. Since its inception in August of 2022, LCWG has awarded 10 grants to county nonprofits like SWAN (Scaling Walls a Note at a Time), Aevidum, Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central Pennsylvania, Hope Inspire Love, Clare House, Arch Street Center, Aaron's Acres, North Star Initiative and Power Packs Project, totaling $62,000.

"The only common thread with the grants is that they go to nonprofits serving the local Lancaster County area," said Horst. "Their services have to directly impact Lancaster County. We've also provided awareness. I feel like we strengthen the fabric of Lancaster County by contributing to its resilience. We feel like the nonprofits of Lancaster County are already doing good work. We believe the people closest to the communities are best equipped to know the needs."

Currently, LCWG's active membership is made up of 96 women who work or live in Lancaster County. They hail from all parts of the county.

"They are women who want to be part of something bigger than themselves," said Horst. "They like that this is a very accessible way to volunteer in Lancaster County. It's a way to connect with other like-minded women. They all want to see our community thriving and flourishing. We try to make an inclusive environment where everyone's voices are heard. They all feel like they need to do something. (The grant) is a democratic process."

"My favorite part is the connection with a diverse group of women," she added. "But they all have this drive for working together for the community. I like seeing the impact. Pooling our resources, time and skills to benefit Lancaster County feels really good."

LCWG was established in August of 2022 through an online social giving platform, Grapevine. LCWG has brought together dozens of Lancaster County women who were already looking for ways to give back.

"(Grapevine) reached out to start a group local to Lancaster County," said Horst. "They sort of initiated the group, and the locals drove it from there. We have a good group of leaders who are committed to the cause. I think we're becoming a more confident organization. The members can know what to expect."

"The camaraderie is something special," Horst continued. "A lot of the women enjoy the friendships they are making. A lot of these women are business owners, so we network and support each other."

For additional information, go to http://www.lancowomenforgood.com.