Dear Colleagues,
While we wrap up 2021 and prepare for the new year, exciting things are happening at the Women’s Funding Network (WFN). We hope you saw last week’s announcement of new board members and board leadership. As the incoming Board Chair, I want to take this opportunity to extend holiday greetings and our most sincere gratitude for your commitment and contributions this year.
In honor of your work, we’re highlighting incredible stories of change from WFN members across the globe. Our 2021 “best-of” highlights are just a glimpse into the many powerful stories of gender justice funders working on the front lines of their communities across the globe, deploying feminist funding principles that will ensure equity and fairness for all. These examples highlight what we in the Network already know – women’s funds and foundations are on the front lines of change, building strong local engagement around the most pressing needs alongside their most vulnerable, highest-potential communities.
What those of us in the Network also know is the reality that for more than a decade, the total amount of philanthropic giving to women and girls has remained stagnant at 1.6%. While the latest report from The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) shows strong year-over-year growth in philanthropic support for women and girls, the marginal .06% increase represents a fraction of overall charitable giving – now totaling just 1.9%.
It is simply not enough.
And so, we ask for your help.
With your generous financial support, we can continue to provide critical support funds to gender justice funders across the globe. This holiday season, we ask you to #FundWomensFunds and #DoGood for women and girls. Every little bit makes a huge difference when leveraged by women’s funds and foundations everywhere. Give today.
Thank you for supporting our initiatives and events all year long. We look forward to continuing to support your work and efforts in 2022 and beyond.
In solidarity,
Melanie R. Brown
WFN Board Chair
Interim Deputy Director,
Global Policy & Advocacy
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Follow the #womenfundedbestof2021 campaign on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn. #fundwomensfunds