May 8, 2018

Amplifying the Voices of Women in Nonprofits

Diane Ballweg, Chair, MCF Board of Governors

As part of the Amplify Madison grant, YWCA Madison will host a session at its 2019 Moxie Conference for project participants to give presentations.

“At some point in your life a door will open and let the future in!”

Madison Community Foundation has been swinging doors open for thousands of people for 75 years, impacting projects and lives throughout Dane County. As part of our special “Year of Giving,” the “Amplify Madison” grant—the ninth of 12 major monthly grants that celebrate our community’s unique natural and cultural assets—will be used to build the capacity of women leaders in area nonprofits. The $75,000 grant will support conference attendance and travel costs, collaborative work in mission areas, education on best practices, peer learning and increasing the knowledge and visibility of dozens of nonprofit leaders. YWCA Madison will coordinate the initiative, which will open professional development doors for 24 area women who might not have the access or opportunity.

Women leaders in the nonprofit world will learn a great deal about their personal potential and the potential of their community impact. With charitable giving on the rise year after year, our nonprofit leaders must know how to best direct and creatively move that money to do the most good. In addition, this grant will grow women’s leadership, networks, and job skills, and I hope this implies opening the doors to greater financial equality and independence. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, our present society pays female, full-time, year-round workers 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. We have work to do, which is why we’re thrilled to be partnering with YWCA Madison on Amplify Madison.

If you know someone who would benefit from an Amplify Madison grant, please pass along this information and share it with your colleagues. Right now a committee is reviewing the first wave of applicants who met the May 1 deadline. The next deadline for professional development opportunities is November 1, 2018. Here’s a link to more information, guidelines, and the application.

By opening the door with this grant, we will amplify an immeasurable wave of fresh air in the nonprofit sector!

Stay in touch with your questions, comments and observations at mcfblog@madisongives.org.