Welcome to the weekly newsletter from the Women's Funding Network.
// A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO // JUNE 21, 2022
Our History Informs Our Future
Dear Colleagues,
Thirty years ago, WFN, (then known as the National network of Women’s Funds), was so alarmed by the organized far-right agenda that they felt the need to affirm their commitment to promote social and political justice across multiple issues: racism, sexism, classism, ableism, ageism, and homophobia.
We share the following artifact because it illustrates the deep roots of our belief that our liberation is bound to one other. It is also a bitter reminder of how slow progress for gender equity and justice has been for some countries like the United States.
How much further could we have been if feminist funds were deeply resourced since 1993? We see what’s possible from the other side: from 2013 to 2017, major donor-advised funds, family foundations, and corporate charities poured over $9.1 million into anti-abortion groups in the US.
Now is the time. With historic investment in local women’s funds and their partners – we can fight for the change and win the future. Join us.
In solidarity,
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Barajas-Román
Women’s Funding Network
President & CEO
WFN Member News
Thank you to Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock for renewing their 2022 WFN Membership, and a hearty welcome to the McKnight Foundation for joining WFN as our newest member.
Our congratulations to the Women's Foundation of Colorado on achieving their goal of 100% of their assets being invested with a gender lens. Read more from President and CEO of Lauren Casteel featured in Philanthropy Women.
Join Women’s Foundation of California for a conversation that’s part briefing, part rallying cry, to discuss what comes next as they chart a path towards reproductive justice together.
July 11, 2022 | 2:00pm-3:00pm PST | Register here.
President and CEO of Ipas Dr. Anu Kumar, as well as Senior Policy Advisor Gillian Kane, have written several op-eds and commentaries: PLOS: US Dangerously Out of Step on Abortion Access. Fortune: The U.S. is falling behind as countries around the world expand abortion access. Salon: How will laws against abortion be enforced? Other countries offer chilling examples, and two podcasts, including The Global Experience and Think Change.
Save the date for The Women's Foundation of Colorado's Annual Luncheon on October 14, 2022 at the Colorado Convention Center, with special guest, Allyson Felix. To learn more, click here.
Opportunities and Resources
Join members of the Women's Philanthropy Institute to explore ways men’s allyship can create educational and economic opportunities that lift up women and girls and help increase giving to women’s and girls’ causes, which is critically important as they begin to build back after being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Join them for a deep dive into research-backed ways to support women and girls and how men can break down systemic inequalities to advance women’s and girls' issues.
Men As Allies: Helping Women and Girls Build Back Post-Pandemic: Jun 23, 2022 12:00 PM ET. Learn more and register here.
National Women's Law Center has released a Resource Hub on the Supreme Court and Roe v. Wade. Use their Abortion Values Messaging Guides to talk about abortion authentically and proactively. To view, click here.
The Transgender Law Center, ASO Communications and Lake Research Partners recently released this data-informed guide for inclusive speech. Learn more: Transgender Youth and the Freedom to Be Ourselves Messaging Guide.
Charity Navigator is accepting applications from nonprofit leaders to serve on their Consultative Council of Nonprofit Leaders (CCNL). The CCNL is a diverse committee of nonprofit executives that advise Charity Navigator on various aspects of the Encompass Rating System and process. If interested, please submit your application by Wednesday, June 22. Candidates will be notified on July 15.
A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities is accepting applications for their Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program (CLFP). CLFP is a year-long experience designed to sharpen the skills and strengthen the leadership capacity of early to mid-level professionals; foundation staff; donors; trustees; and nonprofit leaders who are committed to assisting Black communities through philanthropy. Fellowship cohort participants have the opportunity to learn from seasoned grantmakers and peers on a regular basis, understand how to be more effective agents for change within their institutions, and participate in a network that focuses on innovative solutions to community challenges.
The deadline to apply is July 1, 2022. To learn more, click here.
What We're Reading
With Roe Set to End, Many Women Worry About High-Risk Pregnancies.
— The New York Times
Gen Z Women Postpone Motherhood Because Of The Challenges Working Millennial Moms Encounter.
— Forbes
Transgender Women in the Sports World.
— The New York Times
What We're Watching
The Amazing Woman Behind Juneteenth's Long Road To Becoming A National Holiday - Rachel Maddow traces the personal story of 94-year-old activist Opal Lee, whose years-long crusade to make Juneteenth a national holiday was finally realized today when President Biden signed it into law.
A Note on Accessibility:
As we incorporate new communications assets, we strive to ensure that the platforms and tools that enable us to share content are 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.
