108 women. $1,000 each. Bold, brave women who over 27 years ago said things can be better for women and girls. And they made it happen.

Historically, women have not been at the table or had the decision-making power to raise awareness and direct resources to issues and causes directly impacting them. Creating a women’s fund was an opportunity to level the playing field by creating space and opportunities for women to act on the issues that affect them directly, creating much-needed change.

Women’s funds are uniquely positioned to shape solutions to long-term social challenges so women and girls can thrive. How fortunate we are to have a women’s fund in our community.

For over 27 years, the Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region has been active in our community raising awareness, funding solutions, collaborating and convening to ensure the needs of women and girls in the Fox Valley are addressed.

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region promotes the advancement of women and girls in our community, reflecting our vision of a community of equality, where power and opportunity are not limited by gender. Over $2.1 million has been invested in projects and programs that address the unique challenges and issues that women and girls face.

While issues affecting women and girls have received increased attention, giving to women’s and girls’ organizations represents a small share — less than 2 percent, of total philanthropic support. Less than 2 percent. 1.9 percent to be more precise. A number that has changed very little despite the growing needs. (Women and Girls Index 2022, Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University)

The Women’s Fund is proud to be an organization that invests solely in women and girls. We are a catalyst and convener for change, identifying the needs of women and girls and how together we can affect change. We invest collaboratively in programs to advance women and girls to have the greatest impact. Each year, more than $150,000 is invested in our community, and stays in our community, to meet the unique needs of women and girls, specifically and directly. When we invest in women and girls, we are investing in the foundation of our community. When women thrive, the community thrives.

There are many ways you can be involved. Any individual or organization can set up a fund within the Women’s Fund to support women and girls. This is a great way to ensure your values align and are reflected in your charitable giving. You will ensure your passion and purpose is felt for years to come.

Julie Keller, Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region

You may also wish to form a giving circle within the Women’s Fund to leverage collective resources to meet needs and create change.

There are also opportunities to support grantmaking, specific initiatives and the ongoing work of the Women’s Fund, such as advocacy and research.

When you invest in the Women’s Fund, you are joining others to have a lasting impact on women and girls in your community not just today, but for generations to come.

“When we invest in women and girls, we are investing in the people
who invest in everyone else.”
— Melinda Gates

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation and a separate 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Women’s Fund invests in the needs of women and girls through grants, advocacy and education. Since 1994, the Women’s Fund has awarded more than $1.8 million in grants to innovative programs that improve women’s and girls’ physical and mental health, ensure their economic security, promote their safety and enhance their lives. For more information, click here.