Boston Women's Fund

CONTACT:

14 Beacon St., Suite 805
Boston, MA 02108
617-725-0035
www.bostonwomensfund.org

Renae Gray

DESCRIPTION:

The Boston Women's Fund (BWF) is one of a large number and variety of "community of interest foundations", as distinct from a geographic community's foundation. Both kinds are "public" foundations under the IRS Code, meaning that they can solicit, and must be supported by, charitable donations from many different sources rather than one person or family.

Established in 1984, BWF was the first women's foundation in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest of the 102 such foundations nationwide. Its mission is to provide grants promoting social, political, and economic justice for women and girls.

The Boston Women's Fund grew out of a well-attended community meeting, when 7 racially and economically diverse women decided to create an organization that would help break down barriers and improve the lives of low-income women. Since then the focus has broadened to include: all disadvantaged women, older women, women with disabilities, women of color, lesbians, and girls.

Since its inception 20 years ago the fund has awarded $3.3 million to nearly 167 grassroots groups, empowering women and girls in areas like affordable housing, public policy, employment, healthcare access and voting rights.

The Boston Women's Fund is committed to linking people who have resources with women and girls who have ideas. This is an opportunity for you to support this worthy organization.

(1997: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)