Dear John,

Building movements takes time, and the strength of movements lies in the depth of their foundation, cultivated through years of commitment, resilience, and belief in a future that we ourselves may not live to see. At Ms. Foundation, we’re committed to seeing this process through. 

Several months ago, I had a conversation with activist and founder of Black Women’s Health Imperative, Byllye Avery, whose early work and research played a key role in the development of what we now know as the reproductive justice movement. 

It was some 40 years ago that Ms. Foundation gave Byllye her first grant and was there at the beginning. “So that’s how we got started. That early money, and the fact that someone had the confidence that I could do it,” said Byllye. 

It was a profound gift to hear from an elder in the reproductive justice movement about how powerful the early seeds of support can become with trust and time. 

In this season of gratitude, I wanted to take a moment to restate our profound appreciation for this community. For everyone continually showing up in radical relationship and solidarity for each other. For everyone who supports grassroots leadership and organizations fighting for our human rights in a moment where we need them more than ever, thank you.

In solidarity,

Ms. Foundation in the News

President & CEO Teresa C. Younger spoke to Chronicle of Philanthropy about the 2024 election results and how Ms. Foundation will continue to take an intersectional approach to tackling the issues that impact our communities and people's lives.

“Much remains unclear about the Trump administration’s future policies, but [Ms. Foundation] will be ‘doubling down on our commitment to movement building and justice and equity.’” You can read the full piece here and our formal statement on the election outcome on our website. 

Additionally, Funders for LGBTQ Issues featured Ms. Foundation in their Member Spotlight series! The Q&A dives into our commitment to increasing resources for LGBTQ+ communities, highlights our grantee partners, and includes a Ms. Foundation fun fact and our would-be theme song. Read it now!

Save the Date: 2025 Women of Vision Awards

Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, join us at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, New York for our annual Ms. Foundation Women of Vision Awards gala, where we'll honor visionary grantee partners and feminist leaders who are galvanizing communities and driving change.

We’ll share more soon on how to purchase tickets, along with details about honorees, presenters, performers, and more, so stay tuned!

New on the Blog: 10 Things We’re Grateful For This Year 

As we head into a season of gratitude and look back on our year, we’re reflecting on what we’re grateful for. 2024 brought both triumphs and challenges in the fights for gender and racial justice, and we at the Ms. Foundation found joy and power in community, in laughter, in rest, and in struggle. 

We asked Ms. Foundation staff to share what they’re grateful for, and Director of Development Bri Barnett said they’re grateful for “movement artists uplifting beauty and struggle together to tend hearts and move souls through all the challenges we face.” Read more from folks across the Foundation here!

Reminder: Ms. Foundation Holiday Open House 

We're a few weeks away from our Holiday Open House, and we hope we'll see you there! Join us on Thursday, December 12 from 4-7PM at our office in Downtown Brooklyn. The Open House offers a chance to see our new office space and be in community with one another and Ms. Foundation staff and partners.

Light bites and wine will be served. We want you to feel comfortable, and know many guests will be arriving from work, so please come as you are. Bring a friend, co-worker, or family member with you! Attendance is free, but RSVP is required.

We can't wait to host you!

In Memoriam: Coya White Hat-Artichoke

We were saddened to learn of the passing this month of our former colleague Coya White Hat-Artichoker. Coya was a fierce organizer and a visionary leader in movements for justice, and launched the first fund for Indigenous reproductive justice, Building the Fire Fund. Coya served as a Program Officer at Ms. Foundation from September 2019 to August 2023. Most recently, she transitioned to Solidaire Network. You can read more about her legacy and impact here.