One-hundred women have banded together to make a change in the lives of hundreds in the Augusta area.

Women in Philanthropy for the Central Savannah River Area formed in March to gather people interested in changing the lives of local women and children, said Carolyn Maund, the organization's co-chairwoman. The group is now accepting grant applications from agencies that provide services to women throughout the area.

"We want to identify the needs and enhance the lives of the women and girls in this community," Mrs. Maund said.

Mrs. Maund and co-chairwoman Beth Evans have volunteered in the area for years. Late last year, representatives from The Community Foundation for the CSRA and the United Way of the CSRA presented the idea of a women's philanthropy group to Mrs. Maund and Mrs. Evans.

"Similar organizations have grown by leaps and bounds in Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville and Athens," Mrs. Evans said. "What we've found is that women are willing to give quicker than men are."

The two women found that out after inviting 10 women to take part in the organization. After the first meeting, the group grew to 100 women and all made a $1,000 contribution, Mrs. Maund said.

The women are donating $60,000 to the grants, Mrs. Maund said. The remainder will be placed in an endowment fund for future philanthropy projects.

The opportunity to make a difference in Augusta has been exciting, Mrs. Maund said.

"Philanthropy is to create things that did not exist before. Charity means writing a check for a cause," she said. "I'm glad I'm now involved in philanthropy rather than just charity."

Organizations that support women with health and safety, self sufficiency and family issues are encouraged to apply, Mrs. Evans said. Grant applications will be accepted until Jan. 15. Women in Philanthropy will announce the grant recipients in April.

Reach Stephanie Toone at (706) 823-3215 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.