Greetings,
The Boston Women’s Fund is stepping into summer with immense gratitude for the work that women, girls, and gender-expansive grassroots leaders carry out in their communities every day. From suffrage, to civil, reproductive, and LGBTQIA+ rights and beyond, countless women and gender-expansive visionaries have been on the frontlines of movements, meeting their communities’ needs, fighting for the rights they deserve, and forging a more equitable future. We recall leaders like Paulie Murray, Miss Major, and Melnea Cass, among so many others, and their work for justice and equality.
We know that when women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals have the resources they deserve, they can expand their solutions for change, creating a better world for us all.
At a time when change for women and gender-expansive people — especially those who are in LGBTQIA+ communities and communities of color — absolutely can not wait, we are honored to continue supporting vital movement building and systems change work led by women and gender-expansive individuals. BWF is proud to announce that we’ve increased our grantmaking and have selected over 20 incredible grassroots organizations to fund as our 2023 grantee partners!
Continue on for details about this announcement, what’s new at BWF, and how you can join the fight for progress today.
In Solidarity,
Natanja Craig Oquendo
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We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are. We have to show the world that we are numerous.
— Sylvia Rivera
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Announcing our 2023 Grantee Partners! |
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This year, the Boston Women’s Fund is deepening our commitment to women, girls, and gender-expansive leaders across Greater Boston. We’re excited to announce that we’ve selected our 2023 grantee partners! With the support of our community, this year, we’ve granted over $400,000 to grassroots organizations driving radical change.
Of the 22 grassroots organizations selected to receive funding, all are led by women or gender-expansive individuals, 95% of whom are people of color. Four organizations are focused on reproductive justice, two center youth, and two are recipients of seed-funding grants, our initiative aimed specifically at closing the funding gap for Black and Brown grassroots leaders. For four of our new grantee partners, BWF’s grants marked their first foundation support. This year, we’ve also launched the Momentum Grant to continue our beyond the grant support for growing organizations in the BWF family.
We’re excited to introduce you to our 2023 grantee partners! For the full roster, continue reading on our blog.
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Honoring Radical Queer Roots |
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This Pride Month our social media series has been Honoring Radical Queer Roots. We stand on the shoulders of queer trailblazers who have paved the way for us to continue to advocate for a more inclusive world. We look back to learn, celebrate, and energize our current movements.
In case you missed it, check out these “radical roots” and trailblazers we’ve highlighted this month on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Happy Pride Month!
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Women of Color Leadership Circle Celebration |
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Congratulations to the 2023 Anna Faith Jones and Frieda Garcia Women of Color Leadership Circle cohort!
For six months, 15 women and gender expansive leaders of color convened in a space of healing to advance their leadership journeys through group sessions and individual executive coaching by women of color coaches. The content went beyond a traditional leadership development program because Black and Brown women and gender-expansive individuals encounter unique barriers to leadership roles. The WOCLC sessions provided these leaders a period of reflection, connection, and regeneration that was tailored to their needs as leaders of color as they navigate systems that have persistently overlooked and marginalized their experiences.
The cohort met for their final session this month — it was a true honor to get to know and uplift each of you and we look forward to continuing to support your leadership journey!
And in case you missed it, check out our “Women of Color Wednesday’s” series where we’ve highlighted this year’s cohort on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin.
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We’re excited to announce the kick off of this year’s youth programming!
BWF is happy to welcome a cohort of 12 young women and gender expansive leaders to create the Youth Advisory Leaders. The Youth Advisory Leaders will develop and deliver a set of recommendations to authentically integrate youth voices in the sectors and spaces of their choosing. The group will also provide valuable insight and direction in developing impactful youth programs and will design the program for subsequent cohorts. This summer they’ll focus on leadership development, narrative shifting, identity in relation to systems change, intersectional movements, and community engagement and organizing.
Stay tuned for more updates on their amazing work!
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Announcing Quarterly Newsletter |
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This will be our final newsletter for a few months! As we plan for a very special year at the Boston Women’s Fund, we’re taking a pause to dream, reimagine, and create new and meaningful ways of connecting with our community. We’ll be back in September as we launch our first quarterly newsletter and share exciting details about the year to come. Thank you so much for your support!
We wish you all a joyous summer!
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Apply for the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Black Leadership Institute
A unique and transformative fellowship program, BLI brings together Black leaders in senior roles across the nonprofit, philanthropic, public, and private sectors who are leading in fields, or on issues, with significant outcome disparities for Black people. During the eighteen-month program, beginning January 2024, Fellows attend both in-person and virtual sessions designed to connect, inspire, and uplift Black leaders. Learn more, apply, or nominate a leader here.
Contribute to the Transgender Emergency Fund’s 2023 Trans Pride Campaign
The Transgender Emergency Fund of Massachusetts is hoping to raise $150,000 in order to continue their ongoing services and expand, with the introduction of our Transitional Housing Program. The new Transitional Housing Program allows up to 8 unhoused transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to receive housing for up to a year as well as resources and assistance to become sustainable. Learn more and donate today.
Attend Ability Dance’s “Brims and Bowties” 2023 Gala
Abilities Dance is thrilled to have their next in person only gala, Brims and Bowties, on July 29th at the Multicultural Arts Center to celebrate their achievements for the year and raise funds to continue the good work into the next season. Learn more and buy tickets here.
Apply to become Cambridge Heart’s Director of Wellness (LICSW)
Centering marginalized people, Cambridge HEART builds local capacity to disrupt cycles of harm by responding to crises, conducting research, and facilitating community cohesion. To support this mission, we seek to hire a full time (40 hour / week) experienced Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) to join our team. The Director of Wellness will play a crucial role in continuing to shape and develop HEART’s approach to care and healing practices both within the organization and in the broader community by supporting the clinical components of the organization’s work. Learn more and apply here.
Attend MassNOW’s 13th Annual “Feminist Affair”
Join MassNOW’s vibrant feminist community on September 28 as they celebrate their recent successes and honor a group of dynamic changemakers in Massachusetts and beyond! The evening will be celebrating local feminist change makers with the Feminist in Action Award. Learn more and buy tickets here.
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*Disclaimer: The above media do not reflect the views of Boston Women's Fund and are not endorsed by Boston Women's Fund. These are the items our board and staff are currently engaging with to further their learning and/or rest and find joy. |
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