Philanthropists and sisters, Ambassador Swanee Hunt and Helen LaKelly Hunt, together with the Women’s Funding Network, today announced that Women Moving Millions, a groundbreaking initiative to inspire gifts of one million dollars and above to effect lasting social change by improving the lives of women and girls, has exceeded its $150 million fundraising goal.
Over a three-year period, 100 women and men in the United States and around the world have each committed $1 million or more to one or more of the 145 members of the Women’s Funding Network, bringing the total raised to $176,170,506. These gifts support women-led solutions to issues from poverty and human security to advancing access to health care and education.
“We are delighted, but not surprised, by the fact that—against the bleak backdrop of the global recession—women have stepped forward to raise the bar on giving to women and girls. They recognize that giving more, not less, is what is needed when we are in the midst of economic crisis,” said Helen LaKelly Hunt, co-founder of Women Moving Millions. “Never before have women of wealth written large checks to fund women’s causes,” she continued. “This is an historic moment in the world of women’s philanthropy.”
“Now more than ever, at this time of crisis, investing in women is critical,” said Christine Grumm, President and CEO of Women’s Funding Network. “An estimated 80 percent of grants made by women’s foundations flow to women and girls with low or no income. So supporting women is a stimulus for families, communities and ultimately whole nations. Our work is showing that women-led solutions are the savviest way for donors to propel lasting community and social change.”
The Women’s Funding Network is a global movement of 145 women’s foundations, raising money and making grants to create lasting social change through the advancement and leadership of women and girls.
