This episode of the Nonprofit Report features leaders from organizations working to advance gender equity through philanthropy and advocacy. Women’s foundations and funding networks play a critical role in supporting programs, policies, and community initiatives that improve economic opportunity, safety, and representation for women and girls. The discussion explores how targeted philanthropy, advocacy, and collaboration can address systemic gender disparities that persist across communities in the United States and globally.
Guests:
Felicia Davis, President and CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women
Mary Rutherford, President and CEO, Montana Community Foundation
Elizabeth Barajas-Roman, President and CEO, Women’s Funding Network
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points
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Only about 1.7% of philanthropic funding is specifically directed toward women and girls.
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Women’s foundations focus resources on advancing economic security, safety, and opportunity for women and families.
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Local women’s funds play an important role in addressing community-specific issues while contributing to broader national and global advocacy efforts.
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Childcare, economic equity, and recognition of unpaid caregiving work remain critical policy issues affecting women’s participation in the workforce.
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Networks such as the Women’s Funding Network connect local foundations to amplify impact, share knowledge, and influence policy.
Other Points on Women’s Foundations
Women’s foundations were created to address the historical underfunding of programs that support women and girls. Despite women making up more than half of the population, philanthropic resources dedicated specifically to them remain limited. These organizations work to close that gap by funding community programs, supporting advocacy efforts, and amplifying the voices of women in philanthropy.
Local women’s funds play a critical role in identifying and responding to issues within their communities. Because they operate at the community level, they are able to respond quickly to emerging needs while supporting initiatives that address long-term economic security, health, and safety for women and families.
Collaboration across networks strengthens the impact of these local initiatives. The Women’s Funding Network connects foundations around the world, allowing them to share strategies, coordinate advocacy, and bring local insights into national and global policy conversations focused on gender equality.
The conversation also highlighted how societal norms and public policy shape women’s opportunities. Issues such as childcare access, pay equity, and recognition of unpaid caregiving work remain major barriers to economic participation. Addressing these systemic challenges requires both philanthropic investment and broader policy changes that value the contributions of women in every sector of society.