Greater Federation of Women's Club (GFWC) History

 Since its inception, GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club continues to carry out GFWC’s mission. We are dedicated to identifying the needs of the local community and working to meet those needs through community service projects.

April 24, 1890
Jane Cunningham Croly formed the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to support clubs throughout the nation and further their efforts at providing education, improving working conditions, health care, scholarships and other reforms.

January 25, 1898
The Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs (FFWC) was admitted into membership in the GFWC. The FFWC broadened its scope to include activities and projects on a state and national level.

1901
​The 56th Congress of the US chartered GFWC and
designated that the Federation be headquartered in Washington, DC.

1905 – 1906
A new Federation constitution was adopted and a Florida Federation pin was designed and accepted.

1932
​GFWC established the Junior Department in response to an increasing number of younger women participating in volunteer community service.

1940
GFWC celebrated its Golden Jubilee commemorating 50 years of Federation work.

1949
​GFWC was awarded a stamp by the US Post Office in honor of its 75th anniversary.

1950
Sub-Junior groups of high school girls were formed and had their first state convention in Jacksonville, FL.

1965
​GFWC came to Florida for its convention for the first time in Hollywood, FL.

1983
The Juniorette category was officially accepted into the FFWC structure.

 1989

Greater Ocala Woman's Club established.

1994
GFWC’s founder, Jane Cunningham Croly, was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY.

May 1995
The Centennial Celebration of GFWC Florida.

 The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations, seeks to build global communities where people unite in diversity and dedicate their service to changing lives. GFWC celebrates the engagement of people of all backgrounds and believes in fostering an inclusive, equitable climate and culture where community members can thrive.

 The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service.

GFWC clubs and clubwomen are the heart of not only the Federation, but the communities in which they live and work. By Living the Volunteer Spirit, GFWC clubwomen transform lives each day, not simply with monetary donations, but with hands-on tangible projects that provide immediate impact. With a grassroots approach that often thinks locally but impacts globally, GFWC, its clubs and members remain committed to serving as a force for global good, as it has done since its formation.

With more than 60,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state, the District of Columbia, and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members work in their own communities to support the arts, preserve natural resources, advance education, promote healthy lifestyles, encourage civic involvement, and work toward world peace and understanding.