The Women of Color Fundraising Network (WOCFN) is a peer support group convened by the Women’s Fund to accelerate the success of women of color working in the fundraising field. It was formed to create a safe space for those working in development to openly discuss strategies for overcoming the race and class issues that impact their work. Members share fundraising expertise and contacts with each other, educate one another on trends in the field and the local fundraising environment, and participate in training opportunities together.
Women of color are vastly under-represented in the field of fundraising, which has typically viewed them as recipients of charity. Therefore, for these women, issues of racism and classism intertwine to create a challenging environment. WOCFN was inspired by the extensive training Women’s Fund staff received through the Women’s Funding Network’s Women of Color International Development Incubator program.
Participants of the WOCFN have been meeting informally since 2007. Beyond sharing fundraising stories and strategies, the group has discussed issues such as: engaging board members in fundraising, creating giving circles, individual donor development, the importance of transparency in relationship with donors, and talking to donors in a time of crisis.
Members have expressed over and over again their need for and appreciation of the program:
- This has been a place for those of us who are new or promoted to our positions to gain knowledge and inspiration.
- This welcoming space is supportive and empowering. It strengthens my work.
- The network provides a safe space to ask questions that one won’t or can’t ask at work for fear of being seen as incompetent.