Feminist News and Information

WEEKLY NEWS // JANUARY 16, 2026

// FROM THE DESK OF GLORIA PEREZ, PRESIDENT & CEO, WOMEN'S FOUNDATION OF MINNESOTA

Rising Together in a Time of Crisis

Dear Colleagues,

As we entered 2026, I was ready to turn the page with hope and determination. I did not anticipate the profound shock that would hit Minnesota, especially the Twin Cities. Like so many of you, we are navigating a convergence of emotions and responsibilities: caring for our families, supporting our communities, and responding to urgent threats with clarity and courage.

At the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, we have chosen to center hope, not as a passive feeling, but as an active commitment. We are mobilizing everyone who wants to be part of the solution to the assault on Minnesotans, including immigrants and the allies who stand alongside them. In moments like this, solidarity is not optional, it is essential.

We are working in coalition with fellow funders to raise immediate resources for communities facing harm, while also staying focused on long-term systems change. As part of this effort, we are committed to doubling the current 1% of philanthropic investment reaching Latine-led organizations in Minnesota. Latine Minnesotans are a vital part of our state’s economic engine and social fabric, and investing in their leadership is critical to our shared future.

What we need most right now is visibility, partnership, and action. Our Immigrant Rapid Response Fund is one way to meet this moment with care and urgency. If you are able, I invite you to learn more or contribute here: Immigrant Rapid Response Fund – Women's Foundation of Minnesota [[link removed]]

Women’s funds have always known this truth: we rise and fall together. In this moment, may we choose to rise.

With gratitude and resolve,

Gloria Perez

Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

President & CEO

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News from WFN 2026 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Our network thrives on the strength and diversity of our members. Please join us in appreciating WFN members who have renewed 2026 membership since our last newsletter:

Change ElementalChannel FoundationCynthia ReddrickG4GC: Investing in Ecosystems that Support our YouthNewMexicoWomen.Org

If you are interested in joining as a new member or renewing your current membership, please let us know [mailto:[email protected]].

WFN EVENTS

In July 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”—delivering major tax cuts to the wealthy while slashing funding for essential programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare. As the most harmful provisions take effect in 2026, states face mounting pressure to cut or replace funding for critical supports serving women, children, immigrants, older adults, and people with disabilities. Join us [[link removed]] for a funder briefing featuring national and state leaders who will share lessons from cross-sector organizing, what to expect as the law rolls out, strategies at state and national levels to mitigate harm, and opportunities to build support for a broad and inclusive care agenda.

January 27, 2026 | 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. EST | Register here [[link removed]]

WFN MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WFN is excited to launch our new Member Spotlight Campaign, a monthly feature celebrating the diversity and impact of our network while building stronger connections across our community.

To kick off the campaign, we’re proud to welcome Heirs To Our Ocean (H2OO) [[link removed]] of Redwood City, California. H2OO mobilizes youth under 25 to become skilled leaders addressing urgent climate, ocean, and community challenges. By investing deeply in leadership development, H2OO creates lasting, compounding impact—empowering young leaders who go on to shape policy, innovation, and solutions that reach millions.

News from WFN Members MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to The Women's Fund of Central Ohio's President and CEO, Kelley Griesmer, as she was recently recognized by Columbus CEO [[link removed]] as a finalist for the 2025 CEO of the Year awards. Kelley says, "Leadership is never about perfection. It’s about connecting with other people in authentic ways and earning their genuine trust, loyalty, and enthusiasm."

The Visionary Leadership Fund [[link removed]], managed by the Valentine Foundation, was established in 2005 to support leadership development for women executives and aspiring leaders in organizations that uplift women and girls in the Greater Philadelphia region. Grant amounts typically average at or around $3,000 per applicant. Applications are due by January 30.

Funders for Justice released At the Intersections: Criminalization and Public Health [[link removed]], a playbook equipped with recommendations from movement leaders fighting to advance equitable public health policy and place-based funding strategies.

MEMBER EVENTS

Join The Women's Foundation at their upcoming International Women’s Day Lunch [[link removed]] at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Be inspired, connect with others, and hear insights from thought leaders as they celebrate progress and address remaining challenges for women and girls. For more information, please contact [mailto:[email protected]] Phoebe Ho.

March 6, 2026 | 12:00 - 2:30 p.m. HKT | Register here [[link removed]]

Register for Rise Up Together’s Evening of Impact [[link removed]] at The Progress in San Francisco. In a world where progress is hard-won and rights are under attack, joy is a radical act. Join them for an evening of celebration, solidarity, and purpose as they honor visionary leaders and the powerful community who fuel Rise Up Together’s global movement for gender equity. Enjoy an elegant cocktail reception, hear directly from inspiring Rise Up Leaders, and connect with changemakers and champions committed to building a more just and joyful world.

March 12, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. PDT | Register here [[link removed]]

What We're Reading

Unhoused women on Skid Row face dire health outcomes. This doctor wants to change that — NPR [[link removed]]

International Women’s Day 2026: Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. — UN Women [[link removed]]

What We're Watching

ABC News’ Devin Dwyer reports on the teen trans athlete at the center of the Supreme Court case and the West Virginia AG who is trying to stop her from participating in girls' sports.

Have an event or story to share?

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