GoWomen: Reflections and Resolutions

Reflections and Resolutions

Reflections and resolutions—may be a useful way to begin a new year, especially 2024, a year of change for Chicago Foundation for Women. Reflecting on the CFW journey and what it means for our future inspires many memories of how we started the journey: with a vision and passion for change, and an unwavering commitment to addressing the pressing issues affecting women and girls in the Chicago region

CFW’s journey began in the early ’80s when Lucia Woods Lindley, Marjorie Craig Benton, Iris J. Krieg and I dreamt of an organization that would challenge philanthropic institutions to address issues uniquely faced by women and to acknowledge that women’s organizations were in the best position to respond to the needs. Too often organizations with the best intentions were trying to serve women without first understanding the issues. Women who were being abused at home were told to “try to avoid upsetting your husband.” Women who were sexually assaulted were asked what they were wearing at the time of the attack. Women who were offered job training were not provided child care or other necessary supports. And the organizations that knew how to respond directly to the needs were underfunded if not completely ignored. We knew, along with our sister funds across the country, the women’s funding movement was essential.

Over the years, working in communities and listening to women in nonprofits sharing their issues and their needs, we began to hone in on three core pillars that then became the architecture of our efforts to empower and uplift women in Chicago: Expanding economic security, ensuring freedom from violence, and enhancing access to healthcare services. We’ve continued to evolve by embracing diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the need for representation and voices from diverse communities to guide our actions.

Many people believe that philanthropy is something only the wealthy can take part in. We had hoped to create a foundation where everyone could take part. One of our earliest donations came from a working woman who said that the $50 she was contributing was the first gift she made without first asking her husband. That was one of our favorite gifts! We wanted to inspire women to give and we wanted to democratize philanthropy by founding an institution where all would be welcome.

We also believed that at its best, “philanthropy” stands distinct from “charity”. Philanthropy as we understand it creates systemic change, addresses root causes, and champions sustainable solutions. Anyone can be a philanthropist and any size donation makes a difference in the fight for women’s rights. At CFW, we have seen first-hand the impact that small donations can have on organizations working to make change within their communities. Every giftcan make a difference. It’s that simple, it’s that powerful, and anyone can join us. The reason we have been able to contribute over $45 million since our inception is that we have had thousands of people join us with donations reflecting people’s ability and desire to give, from $5 to $1 million.

As we embark on a new year as an evolving organization, we’re not merely commemorating the past but setting our sights on the future. Looking forward, our mission remains: to support women, girls, trans, and gender nonbinary individuals across the Chicago region so they are healthy, safe, and economically secure. Through our investments to help womenled and focused organizations to start, grow, and thrive, we find new ways to forge meaningful collaborations in our communities that transcend boundaries.

Women’s organizations play a pivotal role in advocating for gender equality, fostering empowerment, and addressing issues that disproportionately affect women globally. These organizations serve as platforms for women to amplify their voices, share experiences, and collectively work towards social, economic, and political advancement. They provide a supportive network where women can access resources, mentorship, and opportunities for skill development, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Their existence not only fosters solidarity among women but also drives progressive transformations crucial for a more equitable and just society. The Women’s Funding Network was essential in making this happen together. In WFN’s last member survey in 2022, WFN’s members invested $1.4 billion annually in advancing gender equity. WFN’s network spans the globe representing members based in 14 countries but also serving beyond the countries they’re based in.

FreeRoot, for instance, is one of the many organizations in which we invest that is working in communities to address issues holistically and empower women. FreeRoot is championing Black women, with an emphasis on mothers and preventative measures to stop poverty-induced gun violence. Their work, much like CFW’s, is informed by asking marginalized communities about their needs. By really listening to the women it serves, FreeRoot is addressing issues like food insecurity and building spaces for women to come together and build supportive networks. It is one of many organizations we fund that are living our mission

We are deeply grateful for our organizational journey thus far, for the work of the organizations we champion, and for your unwavering support over the years. We will continue to support women as they pave the way for a more equitable and just society. When women rise, communities soar.

Together we will persist,

Sunny Fischer

CFW’s co-founder, and interim President & CEO