Welcome to the weekly newsletter from the Women's Funding Network.
WFN WEEKLY NEWS // FEBRUARY 22, 2022
PUERTO RICAN WOMEN LEAD CHANGE DESPITE CRISIS
When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, the destruction and ineffective response by the federal government made a few things clear: the needs were great, the resources incredibly limited, but the community was strong and willing to work for lasting change.
In response, after several years of fundraising and organizing, in coordination with the Women’s Foundation of New York, the Fundación de Mujeres en Puerto Rico (FMnPR) / the Puerto Rico Women's Foundation (PRWF) opened their doors in January of 2020 and welcomed their first Executive Director, Veronica Colon Rosario, in late 2021.
The Puerto Rico Women’s Foundation serves a population with unique challenges in the United States. As a U.S. territory without state rights, they are structurally disadvantaged to building economic and social power. Additionally, this status creates barriers to accessing funding, even funding designed to support equity and justice for marginalized populations. Puerto Rico is often not considered part of the U.S. when it comes to accessing philanthropic dollars and are ineligible for funding to Latin America often because of their status as a US territory.
Despite steep barriers to launching an effective new entity during that unimaginably stressful period, the PRWF forged ahead with its mission. The foundation was designed to go beyond simply contributing resources to crisis response—but to be a force combatting the core gender and racial biases that relentlessly undermine the position of Puerto Rico’s women and gender-fluid individuals.
To support them, learn more about their journey, community programming, and the lasting impact on women and families in Puerto Rico, click here.
WFN Membership Renewals
We know that our network is only as strong as the people who are a part of it. Join us in appreciating our latest 2022 new and renewing members. If you have questions about membership or would like additional information, contact us.
- Aurora Women and Girls Foundation
- Beyond Our Borders
- Fonds pour les Femmes Congolaises
- Sisterhood is Global Institute/ Donor Direct Action Fund
- Vermont Women's Fund
- Women's Foundation of Alabama
- Women's Fund of Essex County
WFN Member News
The New York Women’s Foundation continues their Justice Talks series with their latest episode Disability Justice: Building Movements for Change. This month, Nikki Brown-Booker discusses her journey as a disability justice advocate, and reflects on the legacy of Black disabled women as Black History Month continues. Tune in via NYWF YouTube Channel on February 25, 2022: 11 a.m. EST/4 p.m. UTC.
CHANGE Philanthropy has launched the 2022 Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals (DAPP) survey to help the philanthropic community better understand its workforce and leadership. The third edition of the DAPP Survey will illuminate the experiences of the philanthropic workforce across a diverse array of identity frames: race/ethnicity, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, religious affiliation, and more. Sign up your organization here by March 11, 2022.
The Women’s Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation is seeking an innovative, inspiring, and bold leader to be its next Executive Director. The ED will oversee all operational and administrative functions of an organization with a budget close to $1M and will lead a small team of passionate professionals. The Women’s Fund is advised by a volunteer Leadership Council and has several committees of volunteers who work to carry out the mission.
Opportunities and Resources
How Women Lead's Women Leaders for the World program will be holding its very first Abortion and Reproductive Health, Rights, & Justice cohort this year. You could be one of 20 women non-profit CEOs/Executive Directors from anywhere in the world, working in direct service, community education and mobilization, advocacy, strategic litigation and/or philanthropy to advance Reproductive Health and Reproductive Justice (RHRJ). To apply, click here.
Application deadline: February 25, 2022
Orientation Session/Program launch: April 14, 2022
Join The Chronicle of Philanthropy for their virtual event, How to Make Virtual Events Accessible to People With Disabilities to get detailed guidance from experts on how to create accessible event communications, budget for accessibility improvements, and foster an organizational culture that values and prioritizes inclusive events.
February 24, 2022 | 2 PM ET | Register here
The United Nations Global Compact is hosting Target Gender Equality Live on March 15, 2022. The virtual event will convene business leaders from across the globe with leaders from government, civil society, academia, and the United Nations to discuss how the private sector can accelerate gender equality, disrupt bias and unlock leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation to tackle the world’s greatest challenges. To learn more and purchase tickets, click here.
What We're Reading
U.S. Soccer and Women’s Players Agree to Settle Equal Pay Lawsuit. Athletes will receive $24 million and a pledge from the federation to equalize pay for the men’s and women’s national teams.
— New York Times
What We're Watching
Via Reuters: ‘Colombia decriminalizes abortion through 24 weeks - Judges on Colombia's constitutional court voted on Monday to decriminalize abortion until 24 weeks of gestation, the court said in a statement, in a victory for abortion rights groups which sued to have the procedure removed from the penal code.
Have a story to share?
Email Ellen at [email protected]
A note on accessibility:
As we incorporate new communications assets, we strive to ensure that the platforms and tools we use enable us to share content that is accessible to the widest possible audience. We are committed to learning and growing in this area, and appreciate any helpful guidance you have to share. Please reach out if you have any tips or requests to make your experience more accessible.
