Minnesota’s nonprofit and philanthropic sectors have blazed many trails through the years. In fact, one organization was the first of its kind in the United States—and is still going strong today.
When it was founded in 1983, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) was the first community foundation in the nation dedicated to gender equity. As they celebrate 40 years of organizing on behalf of Minnesota’s women and girls, they’re about to mark another first as well—the first statewide giving day to support causes that center women, girls, and gender-expansive people.
On Thursday, May 9, WFM will host the inaugural Feminist Giving Day, all on GiveMN.org! GiveMN is serving as WFM’s platform partner and advisor for the campaign. Ahead of the campaign in May, we wanted to preview what’s coming soon!
What are the goals of the campaign?
Recent nationwide research shows a troubling funding disparity: less than 2% of all philanthropic giving in the United States goes to organizations that center women and girls. What’s more, less than 1% of giving supports racialized women and girls.
As a leading voice for Minnesota’s women and girls for 40 years, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota wants to change that statistic. Through a statewide campaign, they’re looking to raise awareness of that funding disparity, and ignite the generosity of Minnesotans to help close that gap.
What will my generosity support?
Women’s Foundation of Minnesota works to eliminate the persistent inequities facing women in Minnesota. They support hundreds of causes that center women, girls and gender-expansive people through their grantmaking and philanthropic investments. Your gift during Feminist Giving Day will help impact these organizations as well as increase WFM’s ability to support more causes in the future.
How can I get involved?
Starting on May 1 through the giving day on May 9, WFM and GiveMN will be asking people to take 2 steps to change the 2% funding statistic: make a gift as part of Feminist Giving Day to support women, girls, and gender-expansive people across Minnesota, and ask your friends and family to do the same.
We’ll share more information with you on how you can join this movement and inspire others to do the same on May 1. If you’re feeling extra-inspired and want to get involved even earlier, you may join WFM's virtual panel "Growing Beyond the 2%" on April 24, or connect with organizers at the Women's Foundation of Minnesota via a form on their website if you'd like to take extra steps to support this campaign!