Our Work
We raise money to advance gender equity in our local region and fund critical work. We make multi-year grants to nonprofits, publish research, develop the leadership of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, and advocate on their behalf. We leverage a network of community partners and individuals in this work.
Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts is a valued and respected organization. We remain the region’s only philanthropy dedicated to gender equity. We convene important conversations addressing the barriers that stand in the way of equality. We recognize that achieving a gender-equal region is not the work of any one organization. It is work for many hands.
Women’s Fund supporters give us their dollars and together, we make change.
Our Origin
Three women from Western Massachusetts were inspired by the possibility of a gender-equal world at the Fourth World Women’s Conference. They formed the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts in 1996.
The early Women’s Fund moved hundreds of women to join and give to gender equality. They were asked to give money in larger amounts than they’d ever imagined giving. They knew their money would support the region’s community-based nonprofits working to improve the lives of women and girls.
Today’s Women’s Fund has become the nucleus of a multifaceted support structure that involves partnerships with community organizations, community members, nonprofits, and donors. We have expanded our work to include all women and girls across the race and gender spectrum. No matter your pronouns, no matter who you love, the Women’s Fund is dedicated to you.
