WEEKLY NEWS  //  SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Dear Colleagues,

All of us at WFN are looking forward to warmly welcoming you to Feminist Funded ‘23 in Washington, D.C. next week. You, your leadership, your wisdom and friendship are what make our gatherings one of the most unique and powerful spaces in philanthropy. Thank you for joining us.

You are also helping us make history. Together, we’re kicking off the first-ever Feminist Philanthropy Hill Day where, in partnership with National Women’s Law Center and other partners, gender justice funders will unite as a powerful force for policy change for women, girls, and gender-expansive people. Just imagine: How much can feminist philanthropy change by coming together on Capitol Hill, the center of decision-making power for our nation, with a collective voice and a collective agenda?

Next week’s gathering would not be possible without the support of our generous supporters, most trusted partners, stalwart Board of Directors, and dedicated staff. Thank you for joining us in sending them deepest gratitude and appreciation.

In solidarity,

Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network 
President & CEO

P.S. Read more in my piece for Philanthropy News Digest, explaining why now is the moment for collective feminist philanthropy action and how this event will help us take strides like never before.

FEMINIST FUNDED '23: RISING IS SOLD OUT

Feminist Funded ’23: RISING is SOLD OUT and registration is closed. If you are a speaker or sponsor and have not yet registered, we still have a seat for you. Please contact us at [email protected] for details on how to complete your registration.

WFN Member News

MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Join WFN in gratitude to Arizona Foundation for Women’s outgoing CEO Mesha Davis for her impactful leadership. Since joining AFW in 2016, Mesha oversaw a revenue growth of 71%, asset growth of 18%, released the 2016 and 2020 Status of Women in Arizona research reports, launched the SHE Leads!™ women’s leadership development program, and persevered through COVID-19 setbacks to grow back stronger. 

Welcome to Richard Tate, California Wellness Foundation’s new President and CEO. Richard has been part of the Cal Wellness leadership team working closely with staff, board, and community partners across the state. Watch this short video to hear from Richard about who he is, how he works, and what you can expect as he steps into his new job.

Thank you to outgoing President and CEO Judy Belk for her 9 years of leadership at Cal Wellness and for staying on as a Senior Advisor at the Foundation.

Congratulations and gratitude to Ms. Foundation’s Birth Justice Program Officer Sona Smith who has been selected to join The Obama Foundation Leaders USA 2023 Program. The program is an initiative to support emerging leaders in the United States and offers 100 leaders from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to acquire new skills and tools to drive lasting change in their communities. Sona recently spoke to WGN9 News in Chicago about the program and her work.

Through the Flash Grants program, Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee recently announced an investment in women's voices, one via art and another via convention. Flash Grants were initiated in 2017 to respond to requests and opportunities for specific projects advancing equity for women with an informal process to allow for spontaneity. Learn more here.

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado sets the record straight on flexible cash assistance. The number of programs and pilots in the U.S. that distribute direct, unconditional, and unrestricted cash to individuals and their households is rapidly increasing and WFCO has learned through their second year of providing flexible cash assistance to women through their grantee partners that the common narrative around cash assistance is often inaccurate and incomplete. Read more about the most pervasive misconceptions and what’s real.

MEMBER EVENTS

50 years ago, Gloria Steinem and other feminists founded two iconic organizations: Ms. Foundation and Ms Magazine. They're coming together for a conversation about the future of feminism that will feature Irin Carmon, Ruth MacFarlane, and Joanne Smith, executive director and founder of grantee partner Girls for Gender Equity. Jennifer Weiss-Wolf will moderate. 

September 20, 2023 | 6:30pm-8:30pm EDT | Register here

Join Women's Fund of East Tennessee for their 12th Annual Luncheon. This event will feature powerful programming highlighting their work to help women in East Tennessee become self-sustainable.

September 21, 2023 | 11:00am-1:30pm EDT | Register here

Vermont Women’s Fund will hold its 2023 Annual Celebration featuring special guest Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and author/founder of Know Your Value. The celebration will be emceed by Vermont Public’s Jane Lindholm with music provided by Kat Wright.

September 22, 2023 | 5:30pm-7:30pm EDT | Register here

Join Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga for their 2023 Voices luncheon. This fun and informative event will include networking, Power of the Purse Silent Auction, and powerful stories from local women. These stories will highlight key issues addressed by the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga including human trafficking and financial abuse. Dr. Monika, Amanda Leming, and Tangela Johnson. They will highlight key issues addressed by the Women's Fund of Greater Chattanooga, including human trafficking and financial abuse, and share their lived experience and the power of advocacy.

September 29, 2023 | 10:45am-1:00pm EDT | Register here

Join Aurora Women and Girls Foundation for a fabulous Luminary Event at Dunkin' Park. The 2023 Luminary Event will include the women and girls that benefit from the Foundation's work and celebrate the luminaries who help them thrive. Funds raised will support Aurora’s community investments, with a focus on College Success programs and Research and Advocacy for Women and Girls.

October 4, 2023 | 5:00pm-7:00pm EDT | Register here

Women's Fund of Essex County invites you to their 20th Anniversary Celebration. Join as the Fund honors their Founders, celebrate 2023 Grantees, and inspires another 20 years of investing in the women and girls of Essex County. Attendees will enjoy an evening of networking, cocktails and food all while supporting the work the Fund does.

October 13, 2023 | 6:30pm-9:00pm EDT | Register here

Join Women's Fund of Central Indiana for Power of Women: An Evening with Allyson Felix. Moderated by Tamika Catchings, learn more about Felix, the most decorated American Track & Field Olympian of all time and fierce advocate for maternity rights for all women.

November 1, 2023 | 5:30pm EDT | Register here

Join Women's Fund of Greater Milwaukee for Women's Fund Presents 2023: Inclusive Language, Navigate with Confidence. No matter your position, role, or identity, this event is for you. Attendees will have the opportunity to be with people who value and appreciate women and gender expansive people, engage in thought-provoking discussion, and walk away with practical tips for promoting inclusive language in your own life and work.

November 2, 2023 | 11:00am-1:15pm CDT | RSVP here

Opportunities & Resources

Join She Should Run for their next issues webinar as they partner with United WE to bring a rich discussion on women’s representation in the economy—Economy & Me: How Equality Starts With Us. Read more information and register here.

September 20, 2023 | 12:00pm-1:00pm EDT | Register here

Check out She Should Run’s Group Chat Issues report, a multifaceted and research-backed endeavor to uncover the motivations that could encourage a critical mass of women to consider elected office. Utilizing their own data and research from YWCA USA and UN Women, She Should Run found that the majority of women—across demographics and ideologies—are motivated by issues that disproportionately affect them. Learn more here.

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