March 8 is international Women’s Day. People around the world mark it by celebrating women's achievements, building awareness about equality, lobbying for accelerated gender parity and raising funds for female-focused nonprofits.
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge'. A challenged world is an alert world. And, from challenge comes change. A generous donor has offered a $50,000 matching gift to the Women for Women (WFW) Endowment Fund. All gifts to the Endowment through April 27 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000.
The Women for Women giving circle is an important part of the philanthropic fabric of the region. The goal of building the endowment is to support sustainability and enable WFW to do even more. Memberships support impactful grantmaking. In addition to making grants, the giving circle supports WNC women and girls through advocacy and educational activities.
Over the past (challenging) year, their educational efforts have addressed hunger, voting rights, ways to promote mental health and an in-depth look at the YWCA’s programs. Currently, advocacy focuses on Medicaid expansion and raising the legal age of marriage in North Carolina to 18 years old. These activities not only support WFW grantees, they improve the lives of women and girls over the long term.
The Endowment is important. It ensures future sustainability and provides a revenue stream for operations, but also allows WFW to lead by example in terms of responsible financial planning. You can help meet the $50,000 match by making a gift of any size before April 27. You can contribute online, through your CFWNC donor advised fund or by a gift of stock. You can also mail a check to CFWNC at 4 Vanderbilt Park Drive, Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803. All gifts to the Endowment are 100% tax deductible.
If you have questions, email Tricia Wilson or call 828-367-9919.