Philanthropy is a powerful tool for change

The Women's Fund recognizes and values every gift and works to engage women and girls in the thoughtful practice of philanthropy. The partnership with the African American Women's Fund Project and the development of new funds such as Latinas en Acción and the Lesbian Fund help groups of women come together to use their collective giving to create change in their specific community. The Women's Fund will also develop customized funds inspired by the vision of a donor such as the Her Scholarship Fund.

The Women's Fund offers donor programs with a variety of engagement levels.

Women Will

Women will do whatever it takes to get the job done. Women Will is recognition of individuals who have the gift of foresight. Not only do they believe in the merit of the Women's Fund's ongoing efforts, but they make our work a part of their enduring legacy by including us in their will or estate through planned giving. The donor's gift becomes part of our permanent endowment and a gift to generations to come. The donor will receive permanent recognition in all Women's Fund materials and a gift of $25,000 or more allows the donor to designate a particular organization to receive the proceeds if the donor wishes.

Advised or Designated Funds

Donors want to support the organizations and causes about which they are most passionate. Contributions can be directed to any of the existing funds such as the African American Women's Fund Project or the Her Scholarship Fund.

In partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the Women's Fund offers donors of $25,000 or more the opportunity to create special funds to meet specific charitable interests. An advised fund gives the opportunity to recommend grantees for the proceeds of their funds annually. A designated fund gives the donor an opportunity to select one or two charitable organizations benefiting women or children to receive the proceeds of their fund annually.

Forward Funders

Major gift donors want to leverage the momentum of the Women's Fund by accelerating change now. Annual donors of $10,000 will help the Women's Fund transform and morph into a new and more powerful entity with greater influence. A benefit of this program is an invitation to come together with other strategic philanthropists at the Women's Funding Network's annual donor retreat.

Fund Builders

Everyone has the potential to become a strategic philanthropist impacting social change. Fund Builders make a pledge to reach a cumulative giving total of $10,000 to any fund or purpose of the Women's Fund over as long as ten years. Benefits include permanent name recognition in Women's Fund materials.

Young Philanthropists

Many donors want to pass on their philanthropic donors to the young people of the community. Donors may pay tribute to a young person in their life with an honor gift of $1,000 or more to this special fund which will benefit girls and children's programs. The child will receive permanent recognition in Women's Fund materials as a founder of the fund and receive reports on programs supported by the fund.