Gals Who Give Harris County: Where Purpose Meets Connection
Once a quarter, women from across Harris County gather in a room buzzing with conversation, laughter, and the quiet thrill of knowing they’re about to make a real difference. In just one hour, they pool their resources to deliver a five-figure gift to a local nonprofit — the kind of funding that can change everything.
This is Gals Who Give Harris County, a women-led giving circle turning philanthropy into a shared, energizing experience.
Co-founders Brit Vora and Jordan Chismar launched the chapter in early 2020 after Brit returned from Denver, where she’d been part of a similar group. “I missed the sense of purpose and community it brought,” she says. Their first meeting happened just weeks before the pandemic shut down the world — but instead of stalling, they pivoted to virtual events and slowly built a loyal following.
What drew women in was simple: accessible giving, authentic connection, and a clear, local impact. Members commit to just one hour, once a quarter, and contribute $100 (split with a friend or team if needed). At each meeting, three nonprofits are nominated by members and shared through heartfelt five-minute stories — no slides, no polish, just passion. The group votes, and the winning nonprofit walks away with $10,000 or more.
Why $10,000 Matters Here
For many small, grassroots organizations in Harris County, $10,000 isn’t just helpful — it’s transformative. “It’s a green light,” Brit explains. “It’s the difference between putting a project on hold and saying, ‘Yes, we can launch this now.’”
One powerful example: a special learning classroom at Helms Elementary that looked more like a holding cell than a place for children. After Gals Who Give funded the project — and members volunteered their time — it was transformed into a bright, welcoming space ready to inspire young minds.
“We all crave connection, and when you combine that with meaningful giving, something powerful happens.”
More Than Money
The group’s impact stretches beyond donations. Friendships form. Women discover causes they never knew existed — and sometimes join them as volunteers or collaborators. One connection at a meeting sparked the creation of an entirely new nonprofit initiative, still thriving today.
The vibe at each event is warm, fast-paced, and inspiring. Guests mingle over drinks, catch up with friends, and welcome newcomers. Meetings open with an update from the last recipient, then move into the nomination and voting process. There’s laughter, sometimes tears, and always a powerful sense of shared purpose.
This quarter’s gathering will be held at Blink Lending’s charming Heights bungalow, with decor by Katia & Co’s Kat Jimerson, who’s known for turning spaces into something unforgettable.
Why Harris County Loves Them
From Houston’s urban core to its surrounding communities, Harris County has a reputation for generosity — and this chapter channels that spirit perfectly. Members don’t just write checks; they give their time, skills, and voices to lift up local nonprofits.
“It’s the people who keep me coming back each quarter,” Brit says. “And that rush of knowing we just made someone’s life better in a real, tangible way.” One member captured it best: “This changes everything. I can do this. We can do this.”
How to Join
Whether you live in the Heights, Cypress, Clear Lake, or anywhere in between, Gals Who Give Harris County welcomes you. The commitment is minimal, the impact is huge, and the connection you’ll feel is instant.
If you’re outside Harris County, The Giving Family — the national organization — can help you start your own chapter. “You just need heart, a few friends, and a belief in the power of women coming together to give,” Brit says.
“Houston has a spirit of generosity that feels contagious. Our chapter reflects the city’s diversity and heart.”
Next Meeting: August 12 starts at 6:30 at Blink Lending, 615 Heights Blvd.
Learn More: galswhogive.org | Instagram: @galswhogive_harriscounty
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Helms Elementary Special Learning Classroom – Renovated from a bleak space into a bright, inspiring room for kids with special needs.
iCurea Foundation – Provided cozy pajamas and essentials for underserved seniors in the community.
Local Women’s Shelter – Helped expand capacity to provide safety and resources to women in crisis.
Community Art Program – Funded supplies for free art classes in underserved neighborhoods.
Food Access Initiative – Supported mobile pantry efforts to bring fresh groceries into food deserts.
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Attend the Meeting – Members and guests gather in person.
Nominate a Nonprofit – Any attendee can submit a local nonprofit serving Harris County.
Three Nominations Drawn – Selected at random.
Five-Minute Stories – The woman who nominated the nonprofit shares why it matters, straight from the heart.
Vote – Every attendee votes. The nonprofit with the most votes receives the collective donation.
Impact Update – At the next meeting, the winning nonprofit shares exactly how the funds were used.
