Officers
Pat Krug
President
El Lyons
Vice President &
Grants Adminstration Chair
Joan Woodard
Treasurer
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.
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:
The reason I stay in WGA is also my sister Jan and the camaraderie I have with the other women in WGA. It is also the reason I’m on the Board, she relayed to me several times that the
Board needed a Secretary. I resisted her first couple of times she asked, but, as you well know,
I gave in.
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.
Judi Cronin
Secretary
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA because of my sister Jan. She invited me to events, introduced me to WGA without pressure, and answered my questions about joining.
Why I Stay in WGA:
The reason I stay in WGA is also my sister Jan and the camaraderie I have with the other
women in WGA. It is also the reason I’m on the Board, she relayed to me several times that the
Board needed a Secretary. I resisted her first couple of times she asked, but, as you well know,
I gave in.
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.
Jan Tymesen
Education Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA because a very dear friend invited me as her guest and I found that I
knew many of the members already, however I did not know the great work that had
been happening all along and wanted to be part of it.
Why I Stay in WGA:
I stay as a member because the power of our combined resources is pretty amazing. It also keeps me in touch with the needs of the community. I feel blessed to live and work in this area and want to give back to the community that helped me achieve success.
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.
Jody Harris
Administrative Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I was raised with the belief that it is important to seek out opportunities to help others. This value guided me to join WGA, as I was very impressed by the impact the organization has on our community.
Why I Stay at WGA:
Upon joining, I immediately became involved with the Grant Committee. Through this experience, I connected with women who share similar values and a strong commitment to making a difference, both within WGA and in other aspects of their lives. My involvement has taught me about the incredible power of Collective Philanthropy. By working together, we are able
to multiply the effectiveness of our contributions, allowing us to provide transformative grants to nonprofits that make a meaningful impact in our community.
Susan (Susie) Prince
Membership Chair
Why I Joined WGA:
I joined WGA because I wanted to be part of something bigger—a group making a real difference in our community through shared generosity.
Why I Stay at WGA:
I stay because I’ve seen, time and again, the passion, talent, and kindness of our members. Together, we don’t just give; we uplift and create lasting change for so many.
Laura Umthun
Member At-Large
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.
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.