Chicago Foundation for Women

One of the largest women’s funds in the world, Chicago Foundation for Women believes that all women and girls should have the opportunity to achieve their potential and live in safe, just and healthy communities. For the last twenty-three years, the Foundation has influenced social justice through advocacy, leadership development, and public and grantee education. In addition, we have awarded more than 2,600 grants totaling nearly $16 million to hundreds of organizations that make life better for women and girls in the Chicago metropolitan area. The Foundation’s core values include gender-specific funding, diversity, accessibility and choice. Our work is rooted in three principles of women’s human rights: * Economic security. Employment and expanded access to economic opportunity * Freedom from violence. Includes domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking and prostitution * Health. Access to services and information related to mental, physical and reproductive health We are part of a global women’s movement that is rooted in a commitment to justice and an appreciation of the value of a gender lens. For every issue on the national agenda—from violence to health care—there is a major dimension specific to women. There are few community problems that can be resolved without programs and strategies that specifically address the needs of women and children. Women’s issues involve the entire community. When a woman is given an opportunity, an entire family can benefit. Source: www.cfw.org