Dear Colleagues,

As the Chair and Vice Chair of the WFN Board of Directors, we bring to the roles our promise to support the entire WFN community of foundations and allies at the intersection of gender and racial justice.

To us, this means supporting the opportunity to convene, connect and learn with one another. We are thrilled that this year we can demonstrate this commitment to make this shared space a reality, during the Feminist Funded ’23 conference to be held in Washington, D.C. from September 10-14. The WFN Board is proud to announce our collective pledge to raise $50,000, to help unite thought leaders in philanthropy, advocacy, and culture, where together we can share insights, and best practices to advance our goals.

The conference will include hundreds of attendees, both members and allies, that represent over $1.4 billion in annual grantmaking for women’s empowerment and gender equality. This meeting of gender-focused philanthropy leaders is truly global, connecting people who represent 76 countries and every region of our world.

Returning to WFN’s founding and roots, this convening in Washington, DC, will be the first time, we will engage together in a legislative and policy summit with U.S. congressional visits, with opportunities to connect with government officials about the impact of US policies across the globe and in each of our communities.

Making this Board pledge isn’t necessarily about the dollar amount. It’s more about our dedication to WFN and the work we’re all doing collectively. We know our movement is stronger when we’re united, and that together, we can truly influence the landscape of gender and racial justice. But passion without resources won’t lead to progress. Instead, we must invest in resourcing the collaborations that will make real change and advance the movement. Together, we commit to increasing the impact and influence of the women’s funding community and all of the women, girls, and gender expansive folks we serve. We’re proud to make this commitment today–and hope you’ll join us in this mission.

In partnership,

Melanie R. Brown, Chair, WFN Board of Directors

Suzanne Peters, Vice Chair, WFN Board of Directors

WFN is in an exciting period of transformation as we launch and grow several key programmatic and business initiatives.

Join Us!

Senior Manager, Strategic Philanthropy
Project Manager, Capital Leverage

WFN Members

WFN Membership Renewals & New Members

Our network is only as strong as the people and organizations who are a part of it. Join us in appreciating our members who have renewed for 2023. WFN’s 2022 members have been emailed 2023 membership information, but 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.

California Wellness Foundation
Channel Foundation
Fondo Semillas
Groundswell Fund
Maine Women’s Fund
The Asia Foundation
Women’s Foundation of Minnesota
Women’s Foundation of Mississippi
Women's Fund of East Tennessee
Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
Women’s Fund SouthCoast

Please also join us in welcoming new WFN member Karyn Sciortino Johnson.

Women's Foundation for the State of Arizona is calling us to sign to RTS (Request to Speak) to support this HB 2401, aims to eliminate state and local sales tax from feminine hygiene products and incontinence supplies. To take action now to support HB 2401, click here.

Please help us welcome the new Executive Director of the Women’s Fund SouthCoast, Christine Monska, effective March 13. Christine has over fourteen years of senior leadership experience in government, higher education, and nonprofit sectors where she has focused on advancing inclusive leadership for women, particularly those with marginalized identities. To learn more about Christine, click here. Welcome!

Opportunities and Resources

Applications are open for the 2023 Voyager Scholarship for Public Service. The Obama Foundation is looking for 100 rising college juniors from every corner of this country who share a curiosity about the world and the conviction to want to make positive change within it. Students should have a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.

The application for the next class of Voyagers closes on Wednesday, March 23 at 3:00 PM CT. To learn more and apply, click here.

Join your peers from across multiple women's donor networks for a powerful three days of moving equity- and justice-centered values into our philanthropic practice at the Freedom School for Philanthropy Cohort for Women Donors from June 8-11, 2023 in San Francisco. To RSVP, click here.

There is an information session on March 15, 2023 at 1:00pm MST. Register here.

Apply to participate in The Progressive Policy Institute's next Women Changing Policy Workshop: Broadband and Digital Equity. The program will best serve women who are experts in the fields of telecommunication, digital literacy, and digital equity. Experts should be well established in their careers and eager to grow their public profile with the goal of positively impacting the policy landscape. Through the 2.5-day workshop you’ll learn how to brand yourself as an expert in your field. You’ll also gain helpful tools for talking to the media about your work, and you’ll get an inside look at engaging with elected officials at the local, state, and national levels.

Applications are due by Friday, March 10th at 11:59 PM ET. To apply, click here. If you have any questions, please email Program Director, Jasmine Stoughton at [email protected].

What We're Reading

What We're Watching

Take a look at these reimagined Disney princesses that were inspired by the African diaspora.

Have a story to share?

We want to hear from you. Email i[email protected]

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.