Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – exacerbated by misinformation, deep racism, climate crises, and economic insecurity for millions of people – a new generation of young activists, women, trans, and nonbinary leaders and communities of color are rising up. Through deep relationships and movement expertise, Women Donors Network’s members and grantee partners have collectively shaped WDN’s grantmaking Initiatives into a force for change.

Women Donors Network moved almost $12 million to the frontlines in 2021, building relationships and shifting resources to 100+ organizations around the world. 80% of our funding went to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC-led) organizations, 92% to women-led organizations, and 75% to women of color-led groups.

Learn more about our Initiatives and grantees.

At WDN, we are intentional about what we do and how we show up as grantmakers. We intend to be thought-partners and co-conspirators who help movement leaders spend less time on paperwork and more time in the field. We demonstrate this by:

• Doing the homework. We take on the responsibility of getting to know prospective grantees by reviewing their websites, reports, and budget information thoroughly, saving them time and resources. 
• Simplifying and streamlining paperwork. Funder-driven applications and reports distract grassroots organizations from mission-critical work. We focus on dialogue, learning, deepening relationships, and mutual accountability through yearly check-ins and accepting materials they’ve created for other funders. 
• Offering support beyond the check. We’re looking to provide more non-monetary support to bolster leadership development, capacity, and organizational health, including learning opportunities, member connections, and more. 

If you would like to learn more about our work and how to get involved, you can get in touch through our website.