WE CAN

Because of the women of our history: our three founders, our Advisory Board, our first Board of Directors, our first donors. In 1995 these women shared a vision of a public foundation that would raise money to invest in the lives of the women and girls of Western Massachusetts, and they made it happen through the power of their shared conviction and hard work.

Because of the Board of Directors who in 1998, against conventional wisdom regarding endowments and funding, proceeded to award grants as soon as there were sufficient monies to support their first round of grantmaking.

Because, in the words of one of our founders, “Our vision was to create a women’s fund that was bold in its courage to address the needs of women and girls.”

WE MUST

Because we have listened to our grantee partners, those who work in the trenches day in and day out, who tell us:

“We continue to need funders’ assistance to sustain programs and resources for vulnerable populations, particularly women who in spite of tremendous odds are making remarkable efforts to live quality lives, raise children, achieve economic stability, and engage in building better communities.”

“We need funders to move away from demands for ever new programs and move to nurturing those that are working. We need operating funds.”

“Don’t give up on us, we’ll get through this.”

“We are completely committed to finding ways to continue this work in any economic climate.”

“I would like funders to understand that in a crisis economic situation such as this one, if we only fund food, shelter, clothing, we will severely harm a generation of young people who need to have their hearts, minds and souls fed as well.  It is so important that we ‘take care’ in a way that will bring hope for the future.”

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WE WILL

Because women from all four counties are responding to our call for action:

“This is clearly a time of great need for women and girls, so if not now, when?”

“I think this is gutsy and bold and just what is needed.”

“Great work! I will increase my 2009 contribution by 50%. Consolidation can work and you are doing a great job!”

“What a great decision in these difficult economic times – to take the risk to increase rather than shrink your grants.”

 “I received this money and wanted to put it back into the community. I’m giving it to the Women’s Fund because you focus on everything I am passionate about, and I know you will do good with it.”

“I feel…honored to be a contributor and proud to be associated with an organization that truly steps it up 110 notches at a time when most are hiding behind fear of the unknown. The Women’s Fund is taking the lead to make a difference not only in the lives of women and girls, but leading by setting this example…”