Chicago Foundation for Women

On Transgender Day of Remembrance, we acknowledge and remember the lives of transgender individuals who have been tragically lost due to violence and discrimination. ?? And while we mourn those who are no longer with us, we must also recognize the strength and resilience of the transgender community, which in the face of immense adversity and danger, continues to be on the front lines of advancing equality for all. This day is a poignant reminder that we all play a role in building a future where every individual, regardless of gender identity, can live freely without fear and thrive. #TransgenderDayofRemembrance

The power of collective action starts with us. Since 1985, CFW has awarded over 5,000 grants totaling over $50 million, transforming the lives of countless women, girls, and gender-expansive communities across the region through grants, advocacy, leadership development, and education. This #GivingTuesday, December 3, join us in resourcing a new generation of leaders, advocates, and changemakers who represent the rich diversity of our communities. Every gift fuels this movement, amplifying the impact of every voice and strengthening the leaders, shaping a future grounded in equity and justice. Are you ready to be a part of something bigger? Let’s create a legacy of transformation together ?? bit.ly/CFWgivingtuesday #GivingTuesday #CollectiveAction #CFW #Leadership #SocialChange #Chicago

This past Saturday, Chicago Foundation for Women had the incredible honor of receiving an award from the Monarch Awards Foundation in recognition of our work as an outstanding community organization. We are deeply grateful to the women of the Xi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for this recognition and their commitment to uplifting communities. Congratulations to our fellow awardees—we are inspired by the work you do every day. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable future.

?? #CFWintheNews:?We’re excited to share that Keenya Brown Lambert, CFW's President & CEO, was featured on NBC's "Making a Difference" segment this week! Keenya highlighted the investment and work CFW is doing to support women, girls, and the gender-expansive community across Illinois. She also spoke about the legacy of civil rights icon Rev. Willie T. Barrow and shared insights about the leadership program named in her honor—Willie’s Warriors.? Save the Date! On Saturday, December 7th, join us to celebrate Rev. Barrow’s life and legacy and recognize the achievements of 100 Black women and nonbinary leaders who’ve completed this transformative program.?Register today: bit.ly/Willies100th Thank you, Keenya, for your inspiring leadership and commitment to building a stronger, more equitable community! #NBCMakingADifference #ChicagoFoundationforWomen #WilliesWarriors #LegacyofLeadership

Interested in making a difference in your community? Have you heard of for us by us? Join the West Side Giving Circle next week Tuesday to learn more and how you can join the collective giving philanthropy movement, during our virtual Open House. You will briefly hear from one of our grantees about how our grant assisted their organization and from current members. In a separate post, I will share photos and about the four grantee organizations we funded and awarded at a celebration event two weeks ago in partnership with the South Side Giving Circle. It was a vibe. West Side Giving Circle launched in 2021 with 7 co-founders (including myself). We now have over 30 members. The orgs we fund must be: ?? 501c3 with 1 million dollars or less operating budget that serves Black women and girls, trans, gender non-conforming, and non-binary (TGNCNB) ?? Head of the organization must be Black woman led or head of the board (chair) ?? Organization must be based in 1 of 4 neighborhoods (Austin, East Garfield Park, North Lawndale, or West Garfield Park) To register and learn more join us at our virtual open houses on Tuesday, November 19, from 12:00-12:30 pm and/or Tuesday, December 3, from 6:00-6:30 pm. Prospective members will learn more about the circle. Register today here, https://lnkd.in/gN4F9A5f. Share with others who may be interested that live, work, pray, play or grew up on the Westside of Chicago and have ties to the neighborhoods we support. We have members from all over and in other states.

The Western Suburbs Giving Circle was recently featured in Oak Brook Magazine for their kickoff grantmaking event, “Cocktails for a Cause.” This gathering laid the groundwork for advancing women’s health and reproductive justice, economic well-being, and safety from violence in Chicago's western suburbs. Since 2016, CFW’s Western Suburbs Giving Circle has awarded over $245,000 to local organizations supporting women and girls. Read the full article below.

I'm excited to invite you to a special event hosted by Chicago Foundation for Women honoring the incredible life and legacy of the late Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow on her 100th birthday.? On December 7th, we’ll recognize over 100 Black women and gender non-binary leaders of the Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative, who are carrying Rev. Barrow’s passion for service and justice forward. I am honored to be part of this 100+ as a member of Cohort VI (2024) - the Vulnerageous 6. We’ll also celebrate the recipient of the 2024 Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow Emerging Leaders Award, which supports organizations championing Black women, girls, and gender non-binary leaders.? Let’s come together for an inspiring afternoon of reflection, celebration, and community.? Register today ?? bit.ly/Willies100 ?? Saturday, December 7, 2024?? ?? Haven Entertainment Center, Chicago?? ? Registration: 12:30 PM | Tea & Reception: 1-3 PM? #Leadership #Community #WilliesWarriors #RevBarrow100?

When I asked Keenya Brown Lambert, CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, how she is doing, she said I'm resilient. I loved that response because it captured her deep commitment to the work she does every day to support the many organizations that invest in women and girls so they are healthy, safe and economically secure. Needed now more than ever. She is not alone. Janice Jackson, EdD leads Hope Chicago which is committed to debt-free college degrees or professional certifications for two generations within each family at five high schools in Chicago. That's transformative for families and communities. BMO U.S. brought these two dynamic CEOs together with a group of women leaders who are also philanthropists and community leaders as the company prepares to participate in its industry-leading employee giving campaign. Thank you Ann Marie Wright, Carolyn A. Booth and Sharon Haward-Laird for hosting a powerful session and modeling the impact women givers can have. You made a compelling case for the support needed. It was an inspiring session and a reminder that we all are resilient and blessed to be in a position to help others. #womensrights #gratitude #healthequity #education #philanthropy #generosity #BMOGrowtheGood

Started my morning surrounded by inspiring and empowering women to host a panel discussion with local non-profit leaders on the important role of women in philanthropy as we look ahead to our upcoming BMO employee giving campaign. Thank you to everyone who attended and engaged with us, especially our local leaders Janice Jackson, EdD and Keenya Brown Lambert for sharing their insights and perspectives and being connected to BMO... because when we give, good grows here. #proudtoworkatBMO Hope Chicago Chicago Foundation for Women Instituto del Progreso Latino

Are you a Chicagoan? Are you connected (born, raised, live or work) to the west side of the city? Do you have a desire to support the growth and advancement of Black women and girls on the west side of Chicago? If so, please take a moment to learn more about the Chicago Foundation for Women West Side Giving Circle! Join one of the virtual open houses to gain insight to the powerful and impactful work of collective giving. Spread the word. Tag your friends.