Chicago Foundation for Women

Women and girls make up 51% of the population and research shows that their empowerment leads to more stable families and better societal conditions. Yet women and girls continue to be marginalized"”and that's especially true for those who belong to groups that are already marginalized for other reasons.

The lesbian, bisexual, trans* and queer (LBTQ) communities are among those groups and the advocacy and support services they need are provided in large part by community organizations that rely on grants and individual donations.

The LBTQ Giving Council of the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is the only grantmaking entity in the city of Chicago that provides grants exclusively to organizations that serve these communities. As part of CFW, we have a special focus on women's and girls' access to health care and information, freedom from violence, and economic security.
Since 2004, we've awarded 36 grants totaling $104,500 through our Lavender Fund, much of it to small groups and small projects within larger organizations"”projects that may not be eligible to apply for larger grants or may not have the capacity for significant fundraising. In 2013 alone, five grants totaling $14,000 were awarded to the Transgender Justice Law Project, the Lesbian Community Care Project of Howard Brown Health Center, the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, the Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women & Gender in the Arts and Media at Columbia College of Chicago, and Dyke March Chicago.

"The LBTQ Council's support has been critical for TGAP's success and continuity, and has enabled us to do in-depth evaluation of our pilot services, as well as conduct focus groups with trans individuals to inform new programming." -- Jess Kane, Director of Chicago Women's Health Center "“ Trans Greater Access Project (TGAP), a Council grantee in 2011 and 2012.
Please join us by donating to the Lavender Fund in any amount. The Council's goal is to raise $5,000 to finish out the year and allow us to continue our financial support of the organizations that are so important to the LBTQ communities.

Help us reach that goal by donating today!

Hi, I'm Davon Shawnooo, and I'm excited to log miles to raise funds for the Chicago Foundation for Women instead of asking for gifts. This organization invests in women and girls, empowering them as catalysts for change in our communities. I believe that when we uplift women, we create stronger and more vibrant neighborhoods for everyone.

Your donations can help support the vital work of the Chicago Foundation for Women by:

• Providing grants to programs that support women's health and safety.
• Funding educational initiatives that empower young girls to pursue their dreams.

Join me in making a difference! Please consider sponsoring my miles with a donation to this incredible cause. Together, we can build a brighter future for women and girls in our community.