Philanthropy

WCA supports Central Texas students, communications professionals, and non-profits through its philanthropic efforts. 

Over the years, WCA has awarded more than $85,000 to 55+ students with scholarships up to $3,500, subsidized registration for ongoing professional development, and assisted local non-profits with their most pressing communications issues.

WCA funds philanthropic programs via private donations, membership dues ($5.00 of every registration is set aside for scholarships and WCA’s philanthropic efforts), and via a few other annual events and activities.

SCHOLARSHIPS

WCA awards the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship to at least one deserving undergraduate student every year. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications online by the deadline of March 15, 2023. The application will be live October 1, 2022. 

A treasured community leader and member of Women Communicators of Austin for 24 years, Jo Caldwell Meyer was the national executive secretary of Theta Sigma Phi, the professional society for women in communication.

Jo began her work at the University of Texas School of Journalism as an administrative assistant and served as executive assistant of the College of Communication until she retired in 1965. Jo passed away Thursday, December 27, 2001, at the age of 91.

Our organization dedicated the scholarship in her name in the spring of 2002. Every year scholarships are awarded at our annual Banner Brunch.

PAST PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS

Starting in 2015, WCA members gathered to work with Austin non-profits to solve their most vexing communications challenges under the banner of CommSquad. Through in-person events and online support, WCA members and volunteers were able to give back to the local community with the most valuable thing we can give — our time and expertise.

CommSquad members selected and advised a non-profit organizations in their efforts to accomplish their communications goals by donating time, expert advice, and guidance , all resources that may otherwise be unavailable to local non-profits; the value provided to CommSquad chosen non-profits is equivalent to thousands of dollars of expertise and time, all donated by our members and volunteers.

Past CommSquad community partners include Girlstart, Austin Pets Alive!, and Upper Ninety. There is no CommSquad planned for the coming board year as the board of directors considers the best ways to provide this type of support.