The Fort Augustus Women's Institute was organized on 17 November 1936. The Institute held its meetings on a monthly basis at the local school or at the homes of members. Meetings involved planning future activities, organizing fundraising events, reading correspondence, and discussing home economics and other subjects of interest to the group.

Throughout the years, the Institute was actively involved in supporting and improving the local community. Its main efforts were directed towards the local school, which it helped to provide with new equipment and educational supplies, such as books and furniture. The Institute also regularly funded maintenance and repairs to the school building, as well as providing money for the installation of a drinking fountain and the construction of new sanitary facilities. School attendance prizes, Christmas treats, and gifts of candy were also frequently donated to the school by the group.

In addition to these activities, the Institute also supported a number of charitable organizations, including the TB League, the Red Cross, and the Canadian Appeal for Children Fund. Funds for these organizations were raised by organizing regular lunches, dances and theatrical events.