Feminist News and Information

WEEKLY NEWS // DECEMBER 20, 2023

// A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

Thank you for 2023

Dear Colleagues,

One of my favorite authors, Willa Cather, once said, “There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.”

In writing this for our last newsletter of 2023, my thoughts lingered on the lessons and learnings of the year. For example, I am reminded that in periods of deep challenge and stress, trust must be given even as it is being built. Working together through tests, we gain confidence in our partnerships and our ability to move through rough waters as a team. When it is calm, we are able to notice the small and the subtle. These details allow us to create deeper meaning and fine tune our direction and purpose.

Thank you for helping create the ecosystem for all types of learning in 2023. My highlights included:

Gathering with hundreds of you for WFN’s Feminist Funded ‘23 [[link removed]] conference. I loved hearing the thought-provoking panels (check out mainstage panels at WFN YouTube channel [[link removed]]) and was proud that WFN hosted the first ever Feminist Philanthropy Hill Day [[link removed]] in partnership with amazing colleagues [[link removed]]. Looking forward to seeing you all again in Washington, D.C. in 2025.

Connecting with global advocates in Rwanda for the Women Deliver conference (read incoming WFN Board Chair, Paulette Senior’s reflections on it all here [[link removed]]).

Writing with friend and colleague Saida Agostini-Bostic, from Funders for LGBTQ Issues, to raise a clarion call to philanthropy [[link removed]] about the need to understand that anti-trans laws are an act of hate against all of us, and that we must stand together to fight back.

Feeling honored that Inside Philanthropy acknowledged the power of this network by including me among inspiring friends and colleagues in their 50 Most Powerful Women in US Philanthropy [[link removed]].

Celebrating members working to improve Black maternal health [[link removed]].

WFN is closing our offices today through Tuesday, January 2nd for a period of intentional calm and reflection. For me, that reflection will include deep gratitude for this community. Thank you for your partnership and all you do to create a better world for all. Sending you best wishes for the holidays and new year.

In solidarity,

Elizabeth Barajas-Román

Women’s Funding Network

President & CEO

News from WFN NEW MEMBERS & 2024 WFN MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Our network thrives on the strength and diversity of our members.

Please join us in welcoming new WFN members Erin Ruszaj [[link removed]] and MADRE [[link removed]], and join us in appreciating WFN members who have renewed for 2024:

Chicago Foundation for Women [[link removed]] Eileen Fisher Foundation [[link removed]] Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) [[link removed]] Fondo Semillas [[link removed]] Funders for Justice [[link removed]] Ms. Foundation for Women [[link removed]] Rise Up [[link removed]] Shadhika [[link removed]] Texas Women’s Foundation [[link removed]] The David & Lucile Packard Foundation [[link removed]] The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio [[link removed]] Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism [[link removed]] Valentine Foundation [[link removed]] W.K. Kellogg Foundation [[link removed]] Women's Fund of Omaha [[link removed]]

WFN’s 2023 members have been emailed 2024 membership renewal information. If you are expecting communication on membership renewal but have not received anything, or if you have questions about membership or would like additional information, please contact us [mailto:[email protected]].

Learn more about WFN Members [[link removed]] News from WFN Members MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Groundswell Fund announced Yamani Yansá Hernandez (she/they) has become their permanent CEO, bringing over 25 years of experience in organizational development, executive leadership, and reproductive justice. Join us in thanking Yamani for her leadership. Read more here [[link removed]].

Ms. Foundation for Women released Living with Pocket Change: What It Means to Do More With Less [[link removed]], a report examining the impact and real-life experiences of chronic philanthropic underinvestment in the leadership of women and nonbinary people of color – and issues a call for care-based philanthropy. Read the full report and executive summary here [[link removed]].

The New York Women’s Foundation released a 4-year summative evaluation on The Fund for the Me Too Movement and Allies (The Fund) [[link removed]], a fund focused on creating spaces for healing and advocacy utilizing a trust-based philanthropic approach. This report [[link removed]] explores the development and implementation of The Fund’s efforts.

The New York Women’s Foundation also released their combined 2021 and 2022 Impact Report – read it here [[link removed]].

Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga released their 2023 Annual Report. Learn about their policy wins, community events, and more here [[link removed]].

As part of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence 2023, Victorian Women’s Trust hosted a discussion on sexual harassment at work earlier this month. Watch the recording and read the event transcript here [[link removed]].

NewMexicoWomen.Org released their 10-year retrospective report, Weaving Worlds for Gender Justice and Healing [[link removed]]. Read the report here [[link removed]].

Chicago Foundation for Women is hiring a Manager of Communications, Director of Development, and Director of Finance. Learn more about the roles and how to apply here [[link removed]].

In 2023, MADRE launched their Feminist Foreign Policy Memo, a monthly publication sharing updates from partners and policy recommendations supporting frontline, feminist, grassroots movements. Read MADRE’s reflections on their 2023 Feminist Foreign Policy work here [[link removed]].

MEMBER EVENTS

Join The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade for their January Impact Collaborative: Amplifying Stories: What Happens When Abortion Access is Restricted? Learn more and register here [[link removed]].

January 4, 2024 | 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EST | Register here [[link removed]]

Join Equality Fund for a virtual town hall for learning and exchange to celebrate, learn what Equality Fund has been doing, and what they’re learning from their partners. Simultaneous translation in English, Spanish, French, and ASL will be available. Learn more here [[link removed]].

January 23, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. EST | Register here [[link removed]]

Early Bird registration for ABFE’s 2024 Harambee Conference is open through January 6, 2024. Harambee is the largest assembly of Black professionals in organized philanthropy. Learn more here [[link removed]].

April 25-27, 2024 | St. Louis, Missouri | Register here [[link removed]]

Opportunities and Resources

Funders' Committee for Civic Participation is calling for session proposals for their 2024 Annual Convening taking place in Phoenix, Arizona from April 15-18. Submit your session ideas [[link removed]] by December 22, 2023, aligned with their theme 'Philanthropy in Rising,' emphasizing intersectional racial justice, equity, and community-driven democracy.

Black women have a 53% increased risk of dying in hospital settings during childbirth, regardless of their socioeconomic status. For more on the gap and how to bridge it, read the latest analysis from National Partnership for Women & Families here [[link removed]].

Funders for LGBTQ Issues’ Grantmakers United for Trans Communities (GUTC) [[link removed]] program aims to inspire a philanthropic culture that is inclusive and supportive of trans people and the GUTC Leaders Fellowship Program [[link removed]] provides ongoing support, peer networking, and leadership and professional development to a cohort of 6 trans, gender non-conforming, or non-binary professionals in philanthropy over a 12-month fellowship period. Learn more here [[link removed]] and apply by January 15, 2024 here [[link removed]].

Show Her The Money is a documentary film that addresses women getting less than 2% of venture capital, demystifies what venture capital is, and features female investors who invest in diverse women entrepreneurs.

Created by Producer/Executive Producer Catherine Gray and Director/Producer Ky Dickens, the award-winning film is building momentum in changing the narrative as it embarks on its 50 City Grassroots tour across the nation. View the trailer here [[link removed]] and learn more here [[link removed]].

Contact [[email protected]] to learn how organizations can host a screening and use the event as a fundraiser for the film and your nonprofit.

CLASP released Roadmap to Equity: Ensuring Federal Infrastructure Investments Translate into Good Jobs for People of Color and Women [[link removed]], a paper that aims to support national, state and community leaders and advocates navigate the three major infrastructure laws by:

Providing a high level overview of the IIJA, IRA, and CHIPS and Science Act; Identifying the workforce and supportive service funding opportunities within the infrastructure laws and funding opportunities;Highlighting initiatives that can promote equity in infrastructure jobs; andRecommending a preliminary set of action steps for local and state leaders and advocates that can help ensure infrastructure jobs benefit women and people of color.

Read the full paper here [[link removed]].

Omidyar Network launched their Cultivating Repair Catalyst Initiative [[link removed]] a fiscally sponsored project of Amalgamated Foundation. This initiative is seeking nominations to join a participatory learning cohort of emerging organizations creating pathways to repair the harms stemming from the legacies of colonialism and slavery in the United States. Nominations are due by February 1, 2024.

Learn more here [[link removed]].

What We're Reading

Intermediary organizations are vital and funders need to increase funding going to them — Nonprofit AF [[link removed]]

How Unconscious Bias in Health Care Puts Pregnant Black Women at Higher Risk — The New York Times [[link removed]]

Indigenous women, facing tougher abortion restrictions post-Roe, want Congress to step in

— USA Today [[link removed]]

India's Daughters — The New York Times [[link removed]]

What We're Watching

Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, President at Justice and Joy National Collaborative, joined Cat Oriel on Forbes Newsroom to discuss her background and the importance of intergenerational activism. Watch it here [[link removed]].

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