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Presidents Letter

President’s Letter

president-portrait-circleIN Women We Trust

Philanthropy was once a field to which women were denied access. Thanks to our founders and other women, those barriers fell a few decades ago. The pathway to a thriving future must obviously include women, but also everyone along the gender spectrum. To end gender bias and gender-based violence, to allow women to make decisions about their bodies, to see more women in leadership roles, to give women access to equitable wages, to encourage young women and girls to be all that their hearts desire, we need everyone.

Chicago Foundation for Women believes in nurturing the collaborative spirit of philanthropy and the collective impact of activism. For this region to be the best place for women and girls, we need you.

The success we have seen over these last thirty years is because you’ve joined us in the belief that as the world currently is does not mean it always has to be. By working together, whether as a donor, a grant maker, an activist, a volunteer, a nonprofit professional, or our own staff, we work hard to ensure this region is the best place for women and girls. We are leaders and change agents together. We are visionaries and innovators together.

We are all in this community, together.

With highest hopes,
K. Sujata

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Grantees In Action
The issues and challenges that impact women and girls’ lives are complex and evolving. CFW grantees are prepared to address the shifting nature of need. Boldly working independently and collectively, our grantees are able to turn theory into practice and work into action.
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Donors In Support
Like our grantees, CFW donors are unique and their passion for improving the lives of women and girls is diverse - whether they wish to leave a legacy, make an immediate impact, or support future generations.
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Giving Councils / Circles In Community
The people best equipped to address community need are those from the community. CFW giving councils and giving circles demystify philanthropy and grantmaking by putting it in the hands of local leaders wishing to make a difference.
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100% Project In Everyone's
Best Interest
In 2015, Chicago Foundation for Women launched The 100% Project, a bold vision to increase women’s economic security and end gender bias. When women and girls succeed, whole communities prosper.
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Counter 2

107

Grantees

2285

FY16 Donors

1.9

$1.9 Million Granted

118

Giving Council / Circle Members

We’re all in

were-all-in

Our team at Chicago Foundation for Women comes to the work of supporting women and girls, not as a job, but as a purpose. Collectively, we share more than 50 years of commitment to CFW, its mission, the legacy of our founders, and all of the people we serve – from donors, grantees, volunteers, civic leaders, government officials, and local residents. That broader community entrusts us, at every level and in every role, to fit all of the pieces together.

Investing in Women and Girls Work

147 GRANTS > 107 ORGANIZATIONS > 3 ISSUE AREAS

$1,919,312


economic security

$856,399


54 GRANTS

Health

$573,500


42 GRANTS

Freedom From Violence

$489,413


51 GRANTS


People Impacted

95,977


Women

69,291

Men

26,248

Transgender,
Gender Non-Confirming

438

Are You In

are-you-in
The challenges women and girls face often seem insurmountable, but only when we approach those challenges alone. Chicago Foundation for Women has awarded close to $30 million dollars in just 30 years time to hundreds of local organizations. That level of success is only made possible by working together. The future of our communities and the future of women and girls depends on us all. Together, we have the power to effect change. Start today.

Count Me InCount Me In

Grants

Our founders started Chicago Foundation for Women in 1985 with the understanding that women and girls’ lives are complex. There is no “one size fits all” approach. We continue that mission today by funding nearly 100 nonprofit organizations and programs every year that address the nuances of their lives and amplify their resilience.

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Donors

Chicago Foundation for Women exists because of the generous support of donors like you. We depend on a strong community of donors to make the work of our grantees possible. Our donors depend on us to make smart investments. Together, we are making it possible for women and girls to thrive in safe, just and healthy communities.

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Financials

Financials

Revenue

Revenue

Program Services

Program Services

Expenses

Expenses

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES (for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016)

REVENUE

  • Individual Donations1,649,258
  • Corporate and Foundation Grants1,166,000
  • Special Events (net of direct benefit to donors)1,220,037
  • Fee for Service25,000
  • Investment Return(36,931)
  • In-kind Donations46,971
  • Other Income48,286
  • Total Support and Revenue4,118,621

Expenses

  • Program Services3,201,065
  • Fundraising477,138
  • Management and Genera163,813
  • Total Expenses3,842,016
  • Change in Net Assets276,605
  • Net Assets Beginning of the Year13,451,715
  • Net Assets End of Year13,728,320

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (as of June 30, 2016)

Assets

  • Cash and Cash Equivalents717,845
  • Investments12,687,087
  • Receivables537,753
  • Prepaid Expenses81,238
  • Fixed Assets (net)32,116
  • Total Assets14,056,039

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

  • Accounts Payable18,480
  • Accrued Expenses17,254
  • Deferred Revenue291,985
  • Net Assets13,728,320
  • Total Liabilities and Net Assets14,056,039

Leadership

Leadership

More than thirty years ago, the founders of Chicago Foundation for Women came together to build a network of women leaders, activists, and philanthropists. The aim was to create a community where women, and men committed to social change, could take the lead on ensuring all women and girls thrive. Today, we still rely on their leadership and vision to continue that work.

FOUNDERS

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

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
Tina Manikas

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

Stay in Touch

Stay In Touch

140 south dearborn st., suite 400
chicago, il 60603
312.577.2801 t
312.577.2802 f
312.577.2803 tty
info@cfw.org
cfw.org

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