Local Impact, Global Change: Spotlighting Feminist Philanthropy
- Jenn Sloan, Neeky Dennis, and Abby Brady
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 27
The revolution won't be funded by spare change; it demands a strategic, feminist approach.
Feminist Philanthropy, as defined by the Global Fund for Women, shifts power to historically marginalized communities including women, girls, and gender non-conforming people by channeling funding and resources to trusted local partners who drive solutions that are best for their own communities. This is a crucial shift in the modus operandi of philanthropy, as a 2022 report by the Women’s Philanthropy Institute found that only 1.9% of charitable funds in traditional philanthropy went to organizations dedicated to women and girls.
In October 2024, Fourth Economy began working with the Community Fund for Women and Girls at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to celebrate their 30th anniversary with an updated theory of change and three-year strategic plan.
The Fund is Greater New Haven's only endowment dedicated to promoting the social and economic advancement of women and girls. Through grantmaking, convening, advocacy, and research, the Fund aims to help all women and girls in the region thrive. The Fund conducts grantmaking through their Advisory Board, comprised of women in New Haven who are committed to supporting women and girls.
Our project team, Jenn Sloan and Neeky Dennis, got a chance to ask their Director of Program and Evaluation, Kara Straun, some questions about the Fund:
Why is it important for the CFGNH to operate a fund focused on women and girls?
Kara: It’s important for many reasons! One, we are living in a time where we continue to see much of the progress around gender equity being threatened. We also know that investing in women and girls, considering their unique strengths and needs, ultimately benefits communities in their entirety.
What are you doing as a Fund to support women and girls to meet the current moment?
Kara: Following the conclusion of its strategic planning process, the Fund is prepared to move forward with even greater intention around how it is supporting women and girls. From proactive grantmaking, to collaboratively supporting research, strengthening the networks which directly serve our girls, focusing on advocacy, and cultivating dynamic spaces for convening and community, we are poised and feeling invigorated to take on this work.
Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the Fund, what's a moment or initiative you're most proud of that truly made a difference for women and girls in the community?
Kara: It’s hard to choose just one. I am most proud of the Girls of Color Mentoring Network because of the community it has created among the women who are a part of the Network and because of the support the Fund has been able to extend to them as mentors, community leaders, and service providers.
What's one goal you're personally passionate about advancing in the years to come?
Kara: I am most personally passionate about the opportunity to explore proactive grantmaking and the Fund’s exploration of an advocacy agenda.
There is something really special about witnessing women coming together for a common cause – the donor focus group we hosted felt like a family reunion! The brainstorming sessions we facilitated with thought leaders across Greater New Haven were powerful and inspiring.
Fourth Economy is grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a Fund so committed to equity, systems change, and extraordinary intentionality about how they use their financial, relational, and social capital.
To learn more about the Community Fund for Women and Girls, and follow them on this next chapter of their journey with a new theory of change and strategic plan in hand, visit Community Fund for Women & Girls| The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.
Is your organization looking to update its strategic direction in alignment with evolving community needs? Fourth Economy can empower and equip your organization with the tools and strategies needed to achieve lasting impact. Reach out today to learn how our tailored approach can help you build a more resilient and impactful future.