WIN was created in 2011 by a group of women passionate to make a difference in their local community.  They pooled their resources and through the New Hanover County Community Foundation, made their first grant in 2012 for $20,000.  After five years of broad-based giving and with a growing grants pool, WIN members decided to award grants in four different categories, rotating through one each year.  By having this rotating grant focus, WIN members could learn more about needs in each category, as well as have greater impact.  In 2016, WIN members identified four areas of concern - environment, arts & culture, education, and health & wellness - and decided to award grants in a different category each year.  WIN's impact can be seen in our Previous Grant Recipients.

In 2018, WIN obtained its own, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit designation from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.