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Presidents Letter

President’s Letter

K. SujataProgress is not a tide, pulling us forward into the future. We must push for progress. We must act.

Whether it is marching through the streets, calling an elected official, or investing your time and treasure in local organizations, we all have the power to act. Even the smallest actions – a Facebook post, writing a letter, volunteering for an hour, or giving five dollars – can make an impact.

Chicago Foundation for Women was founded on the principle that when women act together – as philanthropists, service providers, advocates, and community members – we can have a greater impact. When we all push in the same direction, we can move forward, faster.

And, while it might not always feel like it, we are moving forward, thanks to the work of our grantees, donors and community partners. This year, Chicago Foundation for Women made its largest annual investment in women and girls to date. That means fewer women struggling with housing, food or economic insecurity, or the threat of violence. It means a new generation of leaders, of girls raising their hands and making their voices heard. It means more women receiving life-saving health care.

Throughout our region, women and men are taking action for basic rights and equal opportunities for all women and girls. This report tells the stories of a few of them, and the impact they are having on our communities. Chicago Foundation for Women is with them every step of the way today, tomorrow and for the future. Join us.

With highest hopes,
K. Sujata

The Activists

Taking Action as a Community

Investing in Action

Investing in Action

200 GRANTS > 135 ORGANIZATIONS > 3 ISSUE AREAS

$2,315,550

Highest Annual Grantmaking in CFW History


economic security

$1,117,585


81 GRANTS

Freedom From Violence

$689,195


76 GRANTS

Health

$508,770


43 GRANTS


People Impacted

107,300


Women + Girls

75,725

Men + Boys

30,869

Transgender + Gender Nonconforming Individuals

706

Counter 2

FY2017 By the Numbers

135

Grantees

2313

FY17 Donors

2.3

$2.3 Million Granted

143

Giving Council / Circle Members

Take Action

Take Action
Large or small, every action makes a difference. Chicago Foundation for Women was founded on the principle that we can have the greatest impact when we act together. Join us in making a collective impact. Be a part of the movement for women and girls. Please consider investing in the future for Chicago’s women and girls by making a gift to Chicago Foundation for Women today.

I’m InI’m In

The Grants

Grants

CFW connects need, money and solutions. We fund over 100 organizations that are taking action to provide equal opportunities and remove barriers for women and girls. Our grantees are on the frontlines of the movement for gender equity: increasing economic opportunity and access to health, eliminating violence, advocating for just laws and policies, and developing our region’s next generation of leaders.

View GrantsView Grants

donors-financials

Donors

Our donors give with purpose. CFW invests for impact. Our grantees drive results. Together, we are building a better region for women and girls.

View DonorsView Donors

Financials

CFW puts our money to work, making sure every dollar has the greatest possible impact. We invest in services to meet the needs of women and girls today, and advocacy and leadership development to create the future they deserve.

View FinancialsView Financials

Leadership

Leadership

CFW creates a community where diverse women and men, from different backgrounds, careers, and areas of expertise, work together with a common purpose: ensuring all women and girls thrive.

FOUNDERS

Marjorie Craig Benton
Sunny Fischer
Iris J. Krieg
Lucia Woods Lindley

FY17 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wendy K. White Eagle
CHAIR
Patricia C. Slovak
CHAIR-ELECT
Kelly Smith-Haley
SECRETARY
Blair Wellensiek
TREASURER

Nicholas Brunick
Adela Cepeda
Allison Clark
Valerie Colletti
Harlene Ellin
Trina M. Fresco
Sarah Hurwit Gomel
Pedro A. Guerrero
Georgina Heard
Virginia R. Holt
Keri Holleb Hotaling
Kim R. Jenson

Robin Letchinger
Tina Manikas
Wendy A. Manning
Nancy M. Olson
Marie Osadjan
Munira Patel
Kathleen Johnson Pope
Silvia Rivera
Jennifer Steans
Courtney VanLonkhuyzen
Nannette V. Zander

Stay in Touch

Stay In Touch

Stay InformedStay Informed

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