Even though females make up more than half of the population, only seven cents out of each charitable dollar go to programs that solely benefit women and girls.
Except for the Fund for Women and Girls.
Established in 1998 by women for women, the Fund for Women and Girls is a permanent Field of Interest fund of the Fairfield County Community Foundation. Thanks to the generosity of individuals, companies and private foundations, it has become the largest women's fund in New England.
Since the Fund's establishment, it has awarded $1.4 million in grants to Fairfield County nonprofits that address the unique needs of women and girls, including fostering economic stability, leadership skills, academic achievement and physical, emotional and social well being. The Fund also educates women about philanthropy, and engages them in creating change through collective, targeted giving.
In 2007, the Fund published the first research study on the status of women and girls in Fairfield County, titled "Holding Up Half the Sky." Our research confirmed what was expected—that many women and girls in Fairfield County enjoy exceptional achievement, affluence and security. Yet we also found what we feared — too many women are living at the poverty level because of limited education, low-paying jobs and the high cost of child care.
After a decade of investing grants in programs that help women move into safe, affordable housing and help girls cultivate confidence and life skills, we’re intensifying the Fund’s focus to help low-wage women achieve economic security. Our investments and collaborations aim to create long-term social change to:
- Increase women’s earning potential by helping them get education and training so they can move up into higher-paying jobs
- Prepare adolescent girls for their futures so they are educated and trained for tomorrow’s job market, and
- Foster social change so all low-wage women in Fairfield County can achieve economic security.
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