For many of us, the holidays are a time when we reflect on what the year has brought us and what we have accomplished. In […]

Seasons of Gratitude With the Thanksgiving holiday behind us we are firmly in the midst of the holiday season. For me, it is also a […]

Our Voices Matter The U.S. Midterm elections are a little over a week away! Have you made your plan to vote? This month, I led […]

The Compounding Interest of Inequality At CFW, we stress that women are not a monolith; we don’t live single issue lives. Lately, I’ve been thinking […]

Literary icon and political analyst to discuss the force of women in the changing modern world Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced Margaret Atwood, […]

Summer Safety in the City It was August 1966 when the band “The Lovin Spoonful” fielded a No.1 hit on the Billboard Charts. The song […]

Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) proudly announced five new members to its Board of Directors. With experiences in diversity inclusion, nonprofit leadership, and more, […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Health Equity   July is Disability Pride Month commemorating the passing of the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). […]

Part of $3.4 million in grant funding this cycle to support Chicagoland women and girls CHICAGO  — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced awards of […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Beyond Making Statements It has been a difficult few weeks on top of a difficult few years. It feels […]

by Felicia Davis Blakley, President and CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women Today’s news from the United States Supreme Court regarding the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s […]

Alyssa Ochs, Inside Philanthropy In a recent year, the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) worked with almost 3,000 donors and partners to fund over 160 […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT You Matter At the outset, I want to let every womxn, child, and family in the United States know […]

by CARRIE KIRBY In January 2020, something momentous happened: Women outnumbered men in the paid workforce. Feminists cheered, and some economists predicted that the demographic […]

By Stefano Esposito Mayor Lori Lightfoot and a host of other city and state leaders on Monday vowed to fight the U.S. Supreme Court’s potential […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Seasons of Change Have you heard the adage “April showers bring May flowers”? With Spring just around the corner, […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Finding Your Joy What a month! Like every year, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate women! This […]

The 19th Amendment was approved in 1919 and ratified in August 1920, granting women the right to vote. But state laws designed to keep Black […]

Felicia Davis Blakely, head of the Chicago Foundation for Women, talks with Craig Dellimore about how far behind women are as the region struggles to […]

Our Chicago Part 1 CHICAGO (WLS) — In short, more women than men left the workplace during the pandemic and many have not returned. Sharmili […]

Felicia Davis Blakely, president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, talks about the efforts to get women back in the labor force after […]

By Elizabeth Barajas-Roman, President and CEO, Women’s Funding Network and Ms. Foundation Contributor At our current pace, we won’t close the wage gap between men […]

Este 8 de marzo se conmemora el Día Internacional de la Mujer y Christina Córdova-Herrera, directora de comunicaciones de la Fundación para Mujeres de Chicago, […]

The Barrow Emerging Leaders award supports innovative work benefiting Black women and girls CHICAGO – Girls Like Me Project has been selected by Chicago Foundation […]

iHeartMedia Chicago, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago and Chicago Foundation for Women  honor 11 Chicagoland women leaders during Women’s History Month, including  Cheryl Burton, Veteran TV News Anchor, ABC7 […]

Milestones and Observances February might be the shortest month of the year, but it’s jam-packed with some important and meaningful milestones and observances. In early […]

By Tia Carol Jones The Chicago Foundation for Women realized there would be an outsized affect of the pandemic on women and girls of color. […]

CHICAGO – Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced its 2022 Impact Award honorees. The Impact Awards honor local leaders working to improve the lives […]

CHICAGO (WLS) — After a six-year legal fight, players from the United States women’s national team have reached a $24 million settlement with the Chicago-based […]

Chicago Foundation for Women’s thoughts on the upcoming City of Chicago announcement of the selected bidder to build an operate a casino in Chicago, from […]

Chicago Foundation for Women awards more than $1.3M to drive SHEcovery™ Sixty-eight grants prioritize the needs of women and girls throughout the pandemic CHICAGO – […]

Mentorship Matters As I set resolutions, intentions, and lay out my virtual vision board for the year, I also want to take a moment to […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT 2021 Holiday Wish List At this time of year, many are in the holiday spirit, reflecting on the year […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT ‘Tis the Season for Supporting Women and Girls As we prepare for the holidays and what is considered the […]

Felicia was featured in an episode of the UNBOSSED podcast hosted by Marina Malaguti. As a self-described “girl from the South Side,” Felicia shares her […]

By Tia Carol Jones, Citizen Newspaper The Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow believed that if you educate a woman, you educate a nation. Barrow wanted to […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Free from Violence Since its founding, freedom from violence has been at the core of Chicago Foundation for Women’s […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What’s Your Legacy “What kind of ancestor do you want to be?” It’s one of my favorite probing questions, […]

By Philanthropy Women In the wake of the pandemic, the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) has launched SHEcovery to support women of color in the […]

Columbia Chronicle, by Olivia Cohen All eyes were on voting rights activist and former Georgia state legislator Stacey Abrams at a Chicago luncheon this week […]

Will raise $11 million over the next two years to invest in women and girls CHICAGO – Decades of hard-fought gender equity progress have vanished […]

WTTW, Black Voices Last month’s passage of Texas Senate bill 8, which drastically reduces abortion rights in that state, has once again drawn the nation’s […]

$100,000 grant will help ensure that Chicago’s labor protections reach our most vulnerable workers, especially domestic workers CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT My Sister’s Keeper The world is hurting. It’s challenging to think about the recent news cycle without feeling sad […]

The 2021 Black Women Give Back List These women have answered the call to be the change we all wish to see By The Root […]

By Tia Carol Jones, Citizen Newspaper Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. Foundation has found a way to provide shelter to young women and to do their […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A Delicate Balance Summer is in full swing, and I hope you’re taking full advantage of it! As a […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Summer of Joy It’s officially the start of summer in Chicago! Thinking back to last summer, one of the […]

Iconic activist and political leader to highlight the role women play as true forces for change  CHICAGO — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Brave Enough To Be It This week marks my second anniversary at the helm of Chicago Foundation for Women. […]

CFW President and CEO Felicia Davis joined Elizabeth Barajas-Román, President and CEO of the Women’s Funding Network, and Mary K. Rutherford, President and CEO of […]

By Odette Yousef, WBEZ Chicago As Americans gradually return to pre-pandemic activities, the economic recovery for women may yet be many years away. An estimated […]

A conversation hosted by Perri Small, focused on the challenges and opportunities impacting Black Women and Girls outlined in the Black Congressional Caucus Report with […]

By Charles Johnson, Chicago Tribune More than 200 volunteers — clad in can’t-miss-us fluorescent yellow T-shirts and matching cloth masks — gathered Saturday morning in […]

By Fran Spielman, The Chicago Sun-Times Some of Chicago’s most influential Black women kicked off Mother’s Day weekend on Friday with a vow to remove […]

Watch the virtual press conference held by Congresswoman Robin Kelly and Mayor Lightfoot this morning. Rep. Kelly and Mayor Lightfoot were joined by CFW’s Felicia […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Nurture the Future As the spring flowers begin to bloom and the weather begins to get warmer, I’m reminded of the […]

Comcast’s Ellee Pai Hong interviewed Felicia Davis, CFW President and CEO, to discuss the difficulty and need to look at supporting women in the workplace while […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Protect Women As we close out Women’s History Month, I want to reflect on what this month has meant […]

Felicia recorded a 90-second spot highlighting the work of CFW and how people can get involved that will air on various Comcast channels.

By Anna Busalacchi, The Columbia Chronicle For women’s organizations and women-owned businesses, Women’s History Month is every month. So, the Chronicle has compiled a list […]

Chicago Innovation Event hosted by Accenture for its Women’s Mentoring Co-Op. A conversation featuring Paula O’Reilly, Managing Director at Senior Client Account Lead at Accenture, […]

Felicia shared information about CFW and how people can get involved. 

Chicago Foundation for Women’s response to the anti-Asian hate crimes that took place in Atlanta on March 16, 2021, from Felicia Davis, President and CEO:  […]

By Tonia Hill, The Triibe On Tuesday, March 9, the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced the launch of a new initiative called the West Side […]

NEW YORK — In honor of Women’s History Month in March, we’re taking a closer look at the accomplishments and issues women face in the current coronavirus pandemic world. […]

Felicia joined Thom Clark and Michael James for an episode of Heartland at Home focused on the ‘shecession.’ 

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC 7, Chicago’s No. 1 station for news, presented a virtual town hall examining the significant impact of COVID-19 on rising unemployment […]

Funding provided by Advocate Bethany Community Health Fund CHICAGO — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is launching the West Side Giving Circle to support the […]

Congresswoman Robin Kelly hosted a panel conversation about the shecession’s impact on working women, featuring Felicia, Cherita Ellens, President and CEO of Women Employed, and Karin Norington-Reaves, […]

CHICAGO (WLS) — Girls and young women will have a safe space to address some of their biggest concerns during three upcoming virtual mini-summits. The […]

CHICAGO — Clerk Valencia, in partnership with Chicago Foundation for Women President & CEO Felicia Davis, will host three Virtual Mini Summits between March and […]

By Rob Feder From the lieutenant governor of Illinois to the police chief of west suburban Aurora, 14 prominent women will be celebrated for their […]

As Women’s History Month is set to begin, Craig Dellimore talks with Felicia Davis, President & CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women. They discuss […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Listen to Black Women February is celebrated as Black History Month, a time when we honor Black Americans and […]

CHICAGO – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is proud to announce the 2021 Impact Awards honoring local leaders for their efforts to create safe, just, […]

The Barrow Emerging Leaders award supports innovative work benefiting Black women and girls CHICAGO – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) has selected Gyrls in the […]

Seventy-one grants prioritize the needs of women and girls battling the pandemic CHICAGO —Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced its investment of $1,334,250 in support […]

On February 22, 2021, WTTW News presented CHICAGO TONIGHT BLACK VOICES: A WTTW News Community Conversation. Brandis Friedman, co-anchor of Chicago Tonight and host of […]

By Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, Chicago Tribune Marie Lourdie Pierre-Jacques still breaks down when she recounts the phone call that pulled the rug out from under her. […]

By Michele Weldon, Take The Lead Women were hit the hardest in the pandemic economically and women can reshape the recovery “to build back better,” […]

Published in Crain’s Chicago Business Physically, emotionally, economically, you name it – COVID-19 has rung us all dry. There is absolutely no denying that this […]

The latest jobs report shows that in December, 140,000 working people lost their jobs—and ALL of them were women, overwhelmingly Black and Brown. Chicago Tribune’s […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT New Beginnings, Same Resolve Happy New Year! I don’t know about you, but for me, new beginnings can be […]

When the outcomes for Black women improve, everyone else will benefit, particularly now as the nation thinks about rebuilding from the fallout from the COVID-19 […]

Marissa Nelson WTTW, Chicago Tonight Vice President Kamala Harris has spent her career breaking barriers. Jan. 20 was no different as Harris made history taking the oath […]

WTTW hosted a panel discussion on 9to5: The Story of a Movement, an Indie Lens Pop-Up film. Before the hit song or film, 9to5 was […]

By Sally Schulze, Fox 32 Chicago CHICAGO – The new second family makes history with a lot of firsts, and some Chicagoans are watching with hope and […]

By Felicia Davis Chicago Sun-Times Like many people, I have been struggling to understand the degrading treatment Anjanette Young received at the hands of Chicago […]

Chicago Foundation for Women’s response to the attack at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, from Felicia Davis, President and CEO:  The incidents that […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Holiday Wish List The holiday season is in full swing. I can’t help but think of Chicago’s women, girls, […]

Alliance-based initiatives led by The New York Women’s Foundation, Women’s Foundation California and Chicago Foundation for Women, are making a significant impact on communities pushing […]

Felicia Bolton, NewsNation Now Data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows Americans are saving more money during the coronavirus pandemic than at the […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Collective Rest I hope you, your family, and your loved ones continue to stay safe and healthy. It’s incredible […]

Women across Chicago shared their reactions to Sen. Kamala Harris becoming the first female and Black Vice President-elect. NBC 5’s Trina Orlando reports. View the […]

ABC 7 Chicago hosts digital town hall to explore expectations for office holders after upcoming election; Stacey Baca to moderate Guest panelists include: -Paul H. […]

Hannah Herrera Greenspan, Chicago Tribune After buying a condo in southwest suburban Lemont last fall, Brittainy Barattia not only signed her name on the dotted […]

The Alford Group hosted a panel conversation and presentation focused on approaching change and future planning. MODERATORS: » Alexis Cooke, Senior Consultant, The Alford Group […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Claiming Time October is a special month for me, as it is the month of my birth. I use […]

 Though the 15th Amendment, ratified in 1870, secured the right to vote for Black Americans, it would be nearly a century before all Black […]

As we approach this year’s election, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) offers an exploration into what’s at stake for women and girls. This event featured […]

Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia and Chicago Foundation for Women President & CEO, Felicia Davis to Host 2020 Virtual Girls Summit this October CHICAGO — […]

Fran Spielman,  Chicago Sun-Times City Clerk Anna Valencia celebrated International Women’s Day 2019 by unveiling a “Pink New Deal” of ideas to promote gender equity. Among other […]

Including support to enhance the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable communities. CHICAGO — As the global pandemic continues to ravage Black and […]

Currently, Philanthropic Organizations Donate Just $5.48 Per Woman and Girl of Color in US NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — On the 57th Anniversary of the 16th Street […]

In the fifth edition of “The Path Forward,” women of color who lead major foundations in Chicago share how their lives have been impacted by […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Undaunted – Changing Milestones and Minds My youngest son recently started his college journey a few weeks ago out […]

CFW celebrated Black Philanthropy Month with a poignant conversation about giving in the Black community. Felicia Davis, CFW President/CEO, joined Akira Barclay, Founder of Fresh […]

Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune Joe Biden has called the Violence Against Women Act his “proudest legislative achievement.” On the third night of this week’s Democratic National […]

Becky Vevea, WBEZ-FM Felicia Davis, CFW’s President and CEO, joined Becky Vevea, to discuss the recent op-ed statement about anti-Black racism published in Crain’s Chicago […]

Chicago Tonight  Video: “Chicago Tonight” analyzes Joe Biden’s choice with Felicia Davis, president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women; Delmarie Cobb, political consultant […]

Anti-Black racism needs to be specifically called out. Black leaders and communities must be immersed and centered in redesigning the systems that distinctively oppress them. […]

2020 has been brutal for Blacks in Chicago. COVID-19 has hit the community hard. Forty-four percent of the lives lost to COVID-19 are Black residents, […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Celebrate the Wins I trust that you, your loved ones and your colleagues are staying safe and doing well. […]

By Editor, Lawndale News Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced requests for proposals for its Response, Recovery, and Resilience Fund initial grant cycle. The grants […]

First Lady of Chicago, Amy Eshleman, named honorary Board member CHICAGO (August 04, 2020) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced five new members […]

Response, Recovery, and Resilience Fund to Support Chicago’s Women and Girls CHICAGO (JULY 30, 2020) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced requests for […]

Dear friends and supporters, We are deeply grateful for your support. We could not continue our work towards achieving gender equity without your help. Thank […]

by Emily Reilly, Windy City Times The Chicago Foundation for Women ( CFW ) virtually held the 2020 Impact Awards on July 23. CFW President/CEO […]

The 2020 Impact Awards honors local leaders for their commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in the Chicago region by supporting basic […]

The women’s movement must play a key role in addressing racism & gender inequity. Join us for a conversation with Black women leading Chicago organizations […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Centering on Community I trust that as you read this letter, you, your families, and loved ones continue to […]

A virtual event hosted alongside our partners Brave Space Alliance and the LBTQ Giving Council of CFW to discuss what’s needed on the individual and […]

Including support for the Foundation’s Freedom from Violence fund, focused on organizations addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Black and trans women across the […]

Women’s funds partner with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to promote economic mobility for women and girls in wake of the COVID crisis SAN FRANCISCO […]

Marguerite Ward  Business Insider Billionaire philanthropists and authors Melinda Gates and MacKenzie Bezos are doubling down on gender inequality in the US. The two are […]

CHALLENGE WILL FUND INNOVATIVE PROJECTS TO EXPAND WOMEN’S POWER AND INFLUENCE IN THE U.S. Chicago, Tuesday, June 16, 2020 – Pivotal Ventures, Melinda Gates’ investment and incubation […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Black Lives Matter Earlier this week, Felicia Davis, our President and CEO, shared a video message on racism. In case […]

Women’s Funding Network and Women Moving Millions  In the week since four police killed George Floyd in Minneapolis, there has been a collective call not […]

At CFW, our fight for gender equity is intertwined with our pursuit of justice and equity for all. Here is a statement from Felicia Davis, […]

A conversation led by Sunny Fischer, CFW Founding Mother, with Felicia Davis, CFW President and CEO, and K. Sujata, immediate past CFW President and CEO.  […]

Julia Travers Inside Philanthropy Members of the more than 1,600 giving circles in the United States typically know each other personally, and in-person gatherings are […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT The Ultimate Caregivers I hope you are staying healthy and safe, practicing the recommended physical distancing guidelines, using face […]

Felicia Davis Crain’s Chicago Business The COVID-19 crisis shines a blinding spotlight on the systemic, racial, and gender inequity that I and many other women […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT GoWomen: COVID-19 & Beyond A great deal has changed since I wrote to you in our March edition of GoWomen. […]

President and CEO Felicia Davis shares updates on the steps we have taken to continue to support the most vulnerable women and their families in […]

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by just about every segment of American society, but for those already facing difficult circumstances, the […]

Today, March 31, is the last day of Women’s History Month. As we close out the month, Felicia Davis, CFW President and CEO, shares a […]

In this interview with BizCastHQ, Felicia Davis, President and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women, shares the work of the foundation to help make gender […]

President and CEO Felicia Davis shares updates on the steps we have taken to continue to support the most vulnerable women and their families in […]

Felicia Davis talks with Craig Dellimore about the fundraising work of the Chicago Foundation for women, issues of Pay Equity, Sexual Harassment, Violence and the […]

Since reaching out to you earlier this week with information regarding our upcoming events, we have been monitoring updates regarding COVID-19 and are taking guidance […]

Thank you for being part of the CFW community committed to supporting women and girls. Like you, we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Our Favorite Month of the Year March is Women’s History Month, and as it happens, we also celebrate CFW’s […]

In this insightful BizCastHQ interview with Felicia Davis President and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women, we learn about the good works done at the […]

Guest blog by Felicia Davis for Planned Parenthood of Illinois.  As a Black woman and mother of five, reproductive health, and more accurately, health, has been […]

A recent McKinsey Global Institute report showed that the Chicago region’s GDP is losing out on $58 billion without best-in-class gender parity standards. Felicia Davis, […]

The South Side Giving Circle hosted their 2020 Grantee Celebration on Sunday, February 9, at Gallery Guichard, to highlight the outstanding work of their grantee […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Listen, Learn, Lead Chicago Foundation for Women has been advocating for women and girls for the last 35 years. […]

EDUCATION HB 3550: Sex education courses and instruction in grades 6 through 12 will now be required to include an age-appropriate discussion on the meaning […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is proud to announce the 2020 Impact Awards honoring local leaders for their efforts to create safe, just, and healthy […]

The Barrow Emerging Leaders award supports innovative work benefiting Black women and girls Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) selected Assata’s Daughters to receive the Rev. […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT New Year, Same Unwavering Commitment We’re starting the year with exciting news! CFW’s Giving Councils and Circles have recently […]

Marj Halperin, CFW Board Member, served as guest host for the show. The segment begins around minute 89. Felicia Davis and Stacey Brown, Participant Liaison, […]

The Chicago Crusader The Englewood Women’s Initiative (EWI), an innovative program led by Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), recently received a $10,000 investment from First […]

Andrea Darlas served as guest host for the show. The segment begins around minute 55. Felicia shares information about CFW’s plans for 2020, including new […]

Chicago Tribune Women’s March Chicago announced plans for the revival of its January march in Grant Park after a hiatus in 2019, a period of […]

WGN Radio Digital Desk Felicia Davis, Cherita Ellens, Dorri McWhorter, and Karen Jordan during the Unfinished Business: Closing the Gender Equity Gap for Women and […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Power of WE This week, Chicago Foundation for Women participated in #GivingTuesday, the annual international day of generosity that […]

Felicia Davis Chicago Tribune No single policy, no organization and yes, no politician alone can drive all the changes required for women and girls today. […]

By Vanessa Daniel Ms. Daniel is the executive director of Groundswell, a foundation that supports grass-roots organizing by women of color and transgender people of color. […]

This month, GoWomen has been “taken over” by members of CFW’s Giving Councils and Circles! With more than 180 diverse members, representing six groups, the […]

Julia Travers Inside Philanthropy It’s been two years since the #MeToo hashtag went viral. While sexual assault gained new attention, the U.S. still has a […]

Recently, Felicia Davis, CFW’s President and CEO, participated in a segment with Kimberly Egonmwan on WVON the Talk of Chicago 1690 AM. Felicia spoke about the […]

Media Contact: Emily Dreke 312.577.2842 edreke@cfw.org *** MEDIA ADVISORY *** AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST ELAINE WELTEROTH TO KEYNOTE CHICAGO FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN LUNCHEON; 2,000 EXPECTED WHAT: Chicago […]

Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune On her summer book tour, at the beginning of the audience Q&A portion, Elaine Welteroth would invite people to the front […]

Jim Rendon Chronicle of Philanthropy Every two or three months, nearly two dozen women gather after work in one of their homes in Chicago. Over […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Embrace Complexity Embracing complexity does not come naturally for any of us. As human beings, we are hard-wired to sift […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Flippin’ the Script on “Philanthropy” Today, September 4, 2019, marks my 100th day at Chicago Foundation for Women. For […]

Mary Ellen Podmolik and Dan Petrella Chicago Tribune Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday that will lead to an annual report on the gender, racial and ethnic […]

Dorri McWhorter and Cherita Ellens Chicago Tribune The recent signing into law of the “no salary history” bill by Gov. J.B. Pritzker has brought the gender pay […]

Philanthropy News Digest While several indicators of women’s equity in Chicago and the surrounding region improved in 2017, rates of violent crimes against women rose […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today released new data on the status of women and girls in Chicago. The report (available for download at www.cfw.org/swag) looks at […]

Natalie Moore WBEZ Women in the Chicago region fare well in politics and educational attainment but a gender equity gap in pay remains an issue. […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT We Are More Than Enough This quote, which is commonly attributed to George Eliot (the pen name for Mary Ann […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A More Perfect Movement Several years ago, I attended a community meeting in Little Village and was immediately schooled […]

CHICAGO, IL (July 8, 2019) — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is pleased to announce the election of three officers and three new members of […]

Foundation also increases investment in wraparound supports for women in Englewood  CHICAGO, IL (June 27, 2019) – Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced 68 […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Let’s get to work It is an honor to join Chicago Foundation for Women in the work of increasing […]

Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune To borrow a lyric from a certain Broadway musical, Felicia Davis is in the room where it happens. A lot. For […]

Corilyn Shropshire Chicago Tribune Legislation that aimed to diversify corporate boards in Illinois passed during the final days of the General Assembly’s spring legislative session, […]

Stephanie Kim Morning Shift WBEZ For more than three decades, the Chicago Foundation for Women has worked to provide a safe environment for women and […]

Felicia Davis named President and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women (May 21, 2019) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced the appointment of […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Flip the Script In the early days of Chicago Foundation for Women, a woman approached me, checkbook in hand, and […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A New Chapter for Chicago To be back at Chicago Foundation for Women as Interim President/CEO is like coming home. […]

Sunny Fischer Chicago Tribune Chicago will make history next week with the election of the city’s first African-American woman as mayor. After the celebration ends, […]

Darcel Rockett Chicago Tribune Bill Gates. Warren Buffett. Richard Branson. All members of the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals to dedicate the majority […]

Weeklong conversation series asks residents to share their vision for an equitable Chicago region Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, Chicago Foundation for Women […]

The Chicago Status of Women and Girls Working Group announced 20 recommendations to make Chicago a safer and more equitable place for Women and Girls […]

Chicago Foundation for Women envisions a society that values equity, diversity, community, and the inherent worth of every person regardless of gender, identity, and/or expression. […]

Cohort brings together Black women leaders in honor of Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced the selection of the second […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A vision for our region It seems fitting that at the beginning of this Women’s History Month, I am reflecting […]

K. Sujata Giving Compass In the last eight years as President and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), I have been privileged to witness major milestones […]

Daniel Tucker Morning Shift WBEZ 91.5 Chicago For eight years K. Sujata has served as CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women. The organization works […]

A Note from Chicago Foundation for Women Board Chair Patricia Costello Slovak: As you may know, after eight years of wonderful leadership, K. Sujata will […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Leading Ladies Throughout her life, the Reverend Willie Taplin Barrow played an important role in many of the struggles […]

The Barrow Emerging Leaders award supports innovative work benefiting Black women and girls Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced the selection of Ladies of […]

Community discussions focus on gender bias and equity across Chicago region Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced today the fourth annual Talk It Out, a week-long conversation series […]

Alyssa Ochs Inside Philanthropy The giving circle movement has been growing fast in recent years, especially when it comes to women and people of color. […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is proud to announce the 2019 Impact Awards honoring local leaders for their efforts to create safe, just and healthy […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Big Impacts In the new year, many of us feel compelled to make grand plans and life-changing resolutions. Having […]

South Side Giving Circle awards first grants totaling $33,000 CHICAGO, IL (January 8, 2019) – Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced 43 grants totaling […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Thank you, next Between the holidays, cold and snowy weather that keeps us indoors and the end of the […]

Dear CFW community, THANK YOU. Thank you to everyone who joined Chicago Foundation for Women this #GivingTuesday to invest in innovative strategies to build safe, […]

A Note from CFW President/CEO K. Sujata: I write today to share that I will be stepping down as President/CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women, […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Look for the dreamers Image via CreateHER As Halloween costume displays are replaced with holiday decorations, I am still thinking […]

Heidi Stevens Balancing Act Anna Valencia doesn’t like the term “think tank.” “It’s a ‘do tank,’” she said. Valencia, Chicago’s city clerk, is spearheading a […]

FIRST Fund will support planning of new and promising solutions to address domestic violence (October 19, 2018) – Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), in […]

CFW-convened Domestic Violence Leaders Collaborative Calls for Expanded Commitment to End Gender-Based Violence (October 3, 2018) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), with the support […]

Annual report provides update on education, labor force participation, female-headed households and teen birth rate CHICAGO, IL (October 3, 2018) — Today, Chicago Foundation for Women […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT The Status of Chicago’s Women + Girls Four years ago, CFW toured the Chicago region, hearing women and men […]

(September 18, 2018) – As you may know, hotel workers are currently on strike at 26 hotels around the city, including the Hyatt Regency, where Chicago […]

Jesse Kirsch CHICAGO (WLS) Team USA Olympic gold medalist and prominent #MeToo leader Aly Raisman headlined the Chicago Foundation for Women’s 2018 luncheon and symposium […]

Kristen Thometz Since the #MeToo campaign took social media by storm a year ago, stories of sexual abuse and harassment have come into focus – including those […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT True Strength Aly Raisman was just 18 years old when she flipped onto the international stage as the captain […]

Julia Travers Inside Philanthropy The Crown family’s philanthropic legacy dates back to 1947 and the creation of the Arie and Ida Crown Memorial, named for […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Truth and Dare Many of us grow up playing truth or dare. The game goes like this: we are […]

Investments include second year of Englewood economic security initiative CHICAGO, IL (July 31, 2018) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced 75 grants totaling […]

Lee Edwards Block Club Chicago AUBURN GRESHAM — The Chicago Foundation For Women is looking to crown a few new queens. For decades, the Downtown-based […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Life, Liberty, Happiness Many of us spent last week celebrating this nation’s declaration of independence, a step taken in […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is pleased to announce the election of five new members to its Board of Directors. Joining the Board of Directors are […]

Chicago Foundation for Women condemns the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policy and the continued detention of immigrant families. While the new executive order issued by […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT TRUTH+DARE For many of us, telling the truth about ourselves and our lives is a true act of daring. […]

Willie’s Warriors to create network of Black women leaders working for equity and justice Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today opened applications for Willie’s Warriors, […]

Chicago Foundation for Women firmly opposes the efforts of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to advance an anti-choice agenda by withholding funding […]

FIRST Fund will support innovative and community-based solutions to address domestic violence Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), in partnership with Crown Family Philanthropies, the Michael […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT The FIRST Step This time last year, Illinois was approaching the end of a second year without a state […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Changing the tune Image courtesy of New York Times Opinion. Two weeks ago, hundreds of women and men across […]

Members will make collective investments in equal opportunities for women and girls on Chicago’s South Side. On Tuesday, April 3, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) […]

120 groups across region set to participate in Talk It Out: #MeToo (March 19, 2018) – This week, March 19 – 24, Chicago Foundation for […]

Kristen Thometz Chicago Tonight, WTTW Next week, more than 120 groups in the Chicago region will discuss how to end gender bias and sexual harassment […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Making History Three generations of activists: CFW Alumnae Council member Marcia Love with family. What does it take for […]

K. Sujata Crain’s Chicago Business For months, we have walked along the razor’s edge with #MeToo. On one side, a cultural change in which women’s experiences […]

Lisa Bertagnoli Crain’s Chicago Business The YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago on Jan. 1 began offering six weeks of paid leave to employees who meet Family […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT New Legacies REV. JERALD JANUARY SR., REV. WILLIE BARROW AND PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA Black History Month was created to […]

K. Sujata Medium You may not have learned about Reverend Willie Barrow in school, but she is there, in the background of many key moments […]

Marianne Schnall Forbes 2017 was a pivotal year for women, beginning with the historic marches that took place after Trump’s inauguration and continuing throughout the […]

Week-long conversation series to encourage dialogue about solutions to sexual harassment and abuse CONTACT: Kyle Ann Sebastian ksebastian@cfw.org 312.577.2824 Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) […]

Emily Nerds and Beyond Samantha Smith, who plays Mary Winchester on the show Supernatural, recently launched a campaign entitled “RISE” with Stands. The shirts, sweatshirts, and hats […]

Kerris Guinn Chicago Defender Carolyn, a woman who has lived in Chicago for 49 years, stood with a sign draped down her body that read […]

Ese Olumhense and Angie Leventis Lourgos Chicago Tribune The women of Chicago came out in force once again, with an estimated crowd of 300,000 rallying for equal […]

Carrie Maxwell Windy City Times An estimated 300,000 people gathered at Columbus Parkway near Grant Park for the Women’s March Chicago rally and march Jan. […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is proud to announce the 2018 Impact Awards honoring six local leaders for their exemplary work increasing resources and opportunities […]

Libby Berry Chicago Reader Arlena Williams’s evenings off work are filled with the sound of trains rumbling past the trailer where she lives with her […]

Sarah Schulte ABC 7 Chicago The Englewood Women’s Initiative held an event Wednesday to provide women on Chicago’s South Side with the skills needed to […]

K. Sujata, Contributor Huffington Post After over thirty years living in the United States, I am still moved by the marking of Martin Luther King […]

Angie Leventis Lourgos Chicago Tribune Around this time last year, Rebecca Groble Hull was panicked about the nation’s future. She feared women and immigrants would […]

44 grants will fund services, grassroots organizing, advocacy and research CHICAGO, IL (January 3, 2018) – Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced 44 grants […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What Fuels Your Resolve? It’s the time of year when many of us are making changes in our habits, […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT PEOPLE POWER At this time of year, many of us are gathering with co-workers, friends, family and loved ones […]

CFW doubles #GivingTuesday grants to support immigrant, refugee women and girls Yesterday, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced $30,000 in #GivingTuesday grants to support services for immigrant […]

CONTACT: Kyle Ann Sebastian ksebastian@cfw.org (312) 577-2824 Chicago Foundation for Women to Award #GivingTuesday Grant up to $20,000 Grant will support local services for immigrant […]

Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune Sure, the race for Illinois governor is paved with testosterone. But longtime activist Marilyn Katz, co-founder of Chicago Women Take Action, is optimistic […]

Judie Caribeaux, Naperville Letters to the Editor Chicago Sun-Times Speaking at the Chicago Council of Lawyers annual luncheon last month, Chicago Police Board President Lori […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT TAKE ACTION WITH CFW At Chicago Foundation for Women’s 32nd Annual Luncheon, we celebrated the many ways women and […]

Vikki Ortiz Healy and Angie Leventis Lourgos Chicago Tribune When Stacy Bohrer first started reading the #MeToo posts shared by millions on social media, the […]

Lisa Bertagnoli Crain’s Chicago Business Mentoring for women hardly existed when Nancy Wright was building her career. Wright, 60, learned the intricacies of corporate life by observing […]

Carrie Maxwell Windy City Times “Activate” was the theme of the Oct. 19 Chicago Foundation for Women’s (CFW) 32nd annual luncheon and morning symposium at […]

Lisa Bertagnoli Crain’s Chicago Business Most nonprofits and associations could do a better job bringing on new board members, according to research by Heidrick & Struggles and the […]

Shia Kapos Taking Names Women’s events in Chicago feel a lot more energized these days. Maybe it’s due to the Trump Effect, which led to […]

Willie’s Warriors initiative will honor Barrow’s legacy Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) today announced the creation of the Willie Taplin Barrow Fund for Black Women’s […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT MOVING FORWARD WITH HOPE Hope should shove you out the door, because it will take everything you have to […]

Chicago Foundation for Women Statement on Illinois House Bill 40: Chicago Foundation for Women thanks Illinois Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) and State Senator Heather Steans […]

Today, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) released a new report on the status of women and girls in the Chicago region. Based on the available […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT SHOW UP FOR EACH OTHER What would you sacrifice in the pursuit of justice? We often think about sacrifice […]

K. Sujata Crain’s Chicago Business As I write this, one in two female-headed households in Illinois is just one emergency away from total poverty. That […]

Maureen Foertsch McKinney NPR Illinois UIS Kellia Phillips’ teen-aged daughters Jaleece and Janae run track. They have had to do so in ill-fitting shoes sometimes […]

Alysia Tate Op Ed Chicago Sun-Times My dad had a love-hate relationship with the University of Virginia, where white nationalists marched by the hundreds last […]

Carole Levine Nonprofit Quarterly In the appropriately titled “Damage Done,” the Chicago Foundation for Women documented the devastating results of two years without a state budget in […]

Alyssa Ochs Inside Philanthropy Six months into Donald Trump’s presidency, foundation support for embattled immigrant and refugee populations continues to be strong nationwide—and is even […]

Kristen Thometz Chicago Tonight, WTTW After two years of political deadlock, Illinois finally passed a budget last month. But the financial uncertainty caused by the […]

Brandon Richard WSIL Though Illinois lawmakers passed a budget, the two years it took to do it caused lasting damage, according to a new report. Researchers […]

New report details impact of Illinois budget stalemate on women and children CHICAGO, IL (August 2, 2017) — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), Voices for […]

Nona Tepper  Crain’s Chicago Business Women and children who rely on state services are still feeling the effects of the Illinois budget impasse, despite the […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Beyond the Bridge Illustration © Deva Pardue 2016, ForAllWomankind.com   In a society comprised of diverse people and interests, […]

Melissa Wylie BizWomen New additions. The Chicago Foundation for Women elected Patricia Costello Slovak, partner at Schiff Hardin LLP in Chicago, as board chair, according to a press release. […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is pleased to announce the election of Patricia Costello Slovak as Board Chair and the election of four new members to the […]

New investment will support the foundation’s long-term efforts to achieve gender equity in Chicago (July 17, 2017) – Chicago Foundation for Women has received a […]

Alyssa Ochs Inside Philanthropy It’s been a little while since we’ve caught up with the Chicago Foundation for Women, a local grantmaker with a history that […]

Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune One hundred and sixty-nine years (almost to the day) after hundreds of women and men met in Seneca Falls, N.Y., for […]

(July 12, 2017, Chicago) — Teamwork Englewood, the Englewood Quality of Life Plan and Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) launched the Englewood Women’s Initiative (EWI) […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Finding Strength in Our Diversity Women are not a monolith; their experiences, opinions and priorities are shaped by their […]

Additional grants will support new Englewood Women’s Initiative  CHICAGO, IL (July 10, 2017) – Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced 68 grants totaling $913,550 to support […]

In early May, I was asked to represent CFW as the chair of the Women United Giving Council (WUGC) as part of a panel for […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Learning from Diverse Voices Over the past year, we have learned the danger of the echo chamber that creates […]

K. Sujata, President/CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women, joins Justin to discuss the 100% Project, where the idea for the 100% Project comes from, trying to reach […]

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day without Mom? For children of the over 160,000 mothers incarcerated in the United States, Mother’s Day is a day […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Growing Women’s Leadership Bears Fruit Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and across the country we are […]

Heidi Stevens Chicago Tribune April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, but awareness is only half the battle. “The next step is prevention,” said Corielle Heath, founder […]

Chicago Foundation for Women Manager of Communications Kyle Ann Sebastian sits down with Radio Free Bridgeport to talk about how women are impacted by new […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Disrupting Gender Bias. Three years ago, Chicago Foundation for Women set out on a cross-Chicago listening tour to better […]

The conversation about equal pay tends to focus on professional and salaried women. But the wage gap affects women of every education level, in every […]

Maya Miller Chicago Tonight The familiar advice to “talk it out” is being put into practice this week in Chicago. More than 100 organized conversations […]

Weeklong series encourages honest conversations about ending gender bias (March 27, 2017) – This week, March 26 – April 1, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A Day Without A Woman. What would our communities look like without the contributions of women? On January 21, […]

Rebecca Koenig The Chronicle of Philanthropy The unprecedented sums individual donors have given to progressive nonprofits since the presidential election have drawn ample attention. The […]

Alyssa Ochs Inside Philanthropy Not surprisingly, a big theme in our coverage lately has been grantmaking in response to new Trump policies. We’ve written about […]

Grant funds support grassroots organizing and civic engagement in first 100 days of the new administration February 20, 2017 — Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT A Quarter of a Million Voices. In a world that so often ignores the voices of women, it is […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) is proud to announce the 2017 Impact Awards honorees — local leaders who have worked across generations to increase resources […]

¿Qué sigue para las mujeres de Chicago tras la marcha por sus derechos en Washington? Alysia Tate, directora del programa Chicago Foundation for Women, dijo […]

Laura Washington, Chicago Sun-Times The women marched. The politicians boycotted. The Man is still in. Nothing, not the grieving, the sleepless nights, nor the tears, […]

After the Saturday marches, K. Sujata who is the president and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women stops by the show.  They’ll discuss what comes […]

Alysia Tate is the Director of Programs for the Chicago Foundation for Women. On January 4, they announced the creation of The 100 Day Fund […]

Martin Yate, author of the 31st edition of Knock ‘Em Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide joined Amy on the show to talk about his […]

Rebecca Koenig, The Chronicle of Philanthropy Here are notable new grant awards compiled by The Chronicle: Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation $28 million to the […]

Don Haider, Nonprofit Quarterly What is it that makes a nonprofit merger work well? The Chicago Nonprofit Merger Research Project, a partnership between Northwestern University’s […]

Kelly Bauer, DNA Info A group that pushes for gender equality is offering thousands of dollars worth of grants during the first 100 days of […]

Stephen Gosset, Chicagoist The election of Donald Trump brought forth a wave of outreach and support for a seemingly endless spectrum of rights and benefits […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT January 21 is Only the Beginning. Since the election, we have heard from people across the Chicago region.  Men […]

Grant funds will support grassroots organizing and civic engagement in first 100 days of the Trump administration January 4, 2017 — Chicago Foundation for Women […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) announced 47 grants totaling $1,087,000 to Chicago nonprofits committed to strengthening women’s economic security and reproductive justice. CFW’s fall grant […]

We don’t yet know everything 2017 will bring, but as we revisit the major events and cultural moments of the past year, it is helpful […]

Mahjabeen Syed, Chicago Woman Magazine   In light of current events, there is no better time to assess the current state of women and women’s issues […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What Sustains Us. The tumultuous presidential election will no doubt bring many changes over the next few months and […]

By Tim Sandoval and Eden Stiffman, The Chronicle of Philanthropy  Credit: The Chronicle of Philanthropy Thousands of nonprofits across the nation that participated in Giving Tuesday raised […]

Dear Friends, We faced an unprecedented election last night. The results might have seemed contrary to all expectations. It might also seem to be a […]

Paul Sullivan, The New York Times K. Sujata, president and chief executive of the Chicago Foundation for Women, oversaw a merger in 2012, when her nonprofit […]

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What Happens on November 9? Just like most other people who read or watch the news, I cannot wait […]

K. Sujata, Crain’s Just as the economy was emerging from the Great Recession, Illinois was battered by the Great Budget Impasse. Despite the temporary budget […]

Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune Most of us don’t have to evolve our deeply held values under the watchful eye of the public. We believe what […]

Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), the leading grantmaking organization supporting opportunities for women and girls, has announced its Spring cycle grants to Chicago nonprofits, with a […]

By Linze Rice Originally posted in DNAinfo WEST RIDGE — A new campaign aimed at harnessing “Girl Power” from elementary schools across the city hopes to remind […]

By Ariel Cheung and Linze Rice Originally posted on DNAinfo Chicago ROGERS PARK — If you’ve gotten a bad taste in your mouth reading about the […]

Funding underscores focus on importance of economic security Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), the leading grantmaking organization supporting opportunities for women and girls, has announced […]

Heidi Stevens, Chicago Tribune When we look around Thursday for objects of our gratitude, let’s include K. Sujata, who is giving Chicago a reason to […]

By Maudlyne Ihejirika Originally appeared in The Chicago Sun-Times When actress Jennifer Lawrence, writing last month in fellow actress Lena Dunham’s feminist newsletter, expressed outrage […]