A group of Washington state women has set up a foundation that uses their pooled money to help charity, according to an Associated Press.

The Washington Women's Foundation has given away $1 million during the past three years, the AP reports.

Colleen Willoughby started the foundation in 1995. Within three months the group had 100 members. There are now 235 members. Each member pledges $2,000 a year in cash or stock. Interest pays for administrative expenses.

Each member may designate how half of her gift is donated. The other half goes into the pool.

"We help women develop the confidence to make financial giving decisions by allowing them to be a part of a major donor group, Willoughby tells the AP.

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