April showers bring May flowers, so we're focusing on planting the seeds of success this month.

March was Women's History Month and it was an incredible month to promote women of our past - and present while empowering the future.

We held two special events, our educational series Connection Matters and an intimate networking event at Xe54 Wine & Cocktail Lounge. You can read about both events below, but what resounded with me is the craving for connection and togetherness.

After almost three years separated from others, I feel as though this month was much needed. We were able to share how people can continue to Mind the Gap and acknowledge the persistent gender pay gap and the need for continued efforts to address this issue.
Our Girl-Powered Giving program is in full swing and we're excited to see where they will grant $10,000 while focusing on their chosen topic of access to mental health services and therapy.

With a full team at the Women's Fund, we're excited to try new and innovative things, support programs and initiative making real and lasting change for women and girls in the Fox Valley, and have fun while doing so! We are humbled by your support and excitement for all we do and thank you for continuing to
invest in her.
With gratitude,
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March was Women's History Month and the Women's Fund was BUSY.

This past month we hosted our first educational event, Connection Matters, on March 14 at Bubolz Nature Preserve. Connection Matters featured a live podcast recording of the Real Vibes Only Podcast. Attendees listened as hosts Karen Iverson Riggers and Lynn McLaughlin shared their struggles during the global pandemic and finding acceptance, then opened the door for guests to share their thoughts. The morning air was filled with hope, inspiration, and trust.

If you missed this event and would like to listen to the podcast, you can do so here.
We also hosted an intimate happy hour thanks to the Women's Fund Board of Directors at Xe54 Wine & Cocktail Lounge on International Women's Day, March 8.

We were excited to get together with some of our supporters and meet new ones. Thank you again to our Board and Xe54 for hosting!
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Just under six months away from the Women's Fund Luncheon!
The Women’s Fund Luncheon has been a premier event in the Fox Valley for the past 23 years. Whether celebrating in-person or virtually, business and community leaders, philanthropists, and people who care about women and girls join us to create change! Luncheon partners receive visibility to a powerful, and engaged audience – and will demonstrate your support of women and girls.

Several partnership opportunities are available to fit your company’s needs. The Women’s Fund Luncheon attracts significant publicity and will increase your organization’s profile in the community as a supporter of issues important to females of all ages.

If you're interested in learning more about how your business can become a sponsor at our Luncheon, please contact Terri St. Lawrence!
Have You Secured Tour Table?
Last year we sold out of tables at the Women's Fund Luncheon in JULY!

We don't want you to miss your opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of empowering conversation and inspiring presentations.

Contact Terri St. Lawrence to secure your seat today and learn more about what is included in a table sponsorship here.
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The Women's Fund is proud to have awarded over $2.1 million in grants since 1996. In 2021, the Community Clothes Closet was a recipient which allowed them to provide women and girls with dignified, functional clothing to help them succeed. Read more about the impact that affected Patty thanks to the funding they received.
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Our Connection Matters event featured a live recording of the Real Vibes Only podcast, hosted by Karen Iverson Riggers and Lynn McLaughlin. We loved their podcast before they agreed to be a part of our event as they explore authenticity and how to get real with yourself and others.

Our communication and outreach specialist, Stacie, read the book Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall this past month. In this book, Kendall gives an insight into the issues that marginalized communities face and how it ties into feminism.

Stacie shared, "As a person who continues to advocate for equality for all people, this book gives educational and inspiring examples of where feminism has failed BIPOC people and how inclusive feminism should look."

Childcare centers have struggled to maintain a stable workforce for years, but the pandemic wreaked havoc on the industry, and it hasn’t been able to recover. As of last month, child care — a sector that offers some of the lowest wages in the country — is still short 60,000 teachers. This has led to monthslong, sometimes yearslong, waits for parents looking for care.