The Women’s Fund actively works to build the social change capacity of the community through the following initiatives:
- Taking active part in community leadership and collaboration to bring issues related to women and girls to light;
- Coaching and convening grant partners so as to work collectively; and
- Educating our donors and volunteers on issues that facilitate the full participation of women and girls in our community
Our Capacity Building Programs
Black Infant Mortality Project
We are pleased to be part of the Milwaukee Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy Families (LIHF)—a coalition formed to address Milwaukee’s black infant mortality crisis. Working alongside more than 60 local organizations that make up LIHF, the Women’s Fund is facilitating the action planning process that will jump-start the coalition’s goals, which include improving access to maternal and child health resources, strengthening African American families, and creating an action plan specific to Milwaukee.
Cultures of Giving
The Women’s Fund’s goal is to engage women that are traditionally underrepresented in philanthropy through our Cultures of Giving program. There are seven Cultures of Giving groups—each with its own unique mission: African American Women’s Fund Project, Girls Leading Change, Her Scholarship, Latinas en Acción, Lesbian Fund, Hmong Women’s Giving Circle, and the Reproductive Justice Project.
Social Change Exchange
A forum for our grant partners and donors to discuss social change issues impacting women in our community. In 2010, two well-attended forums were held, one on the impact of the census, and another to address Milwaukee’s black infant mortality crisis.
The Women of Color Fundraising Network
This peer support group for women of color working as fundraisers provides a safe space to discuss how race and class issues impede their success. Members share support and contacts while discussing issues relating to the local fundraising environment.