Social change cannot happen merely from the top down, and in this way philanthropy and charity is often the difference between a hand out and a hand up. We strategically fund programs that not only serve those stuck in the trenches, but build bridges to bring them to an equal footing. Bridges that allow people to move from vulnerability to self-sufficiency, from research to results and from ideas to accomplishments.

Women of all ages, in more than 7,000 congregational and special units in the United States and the Caribbean, carry out the mission of Women of the ELCA: mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

The Fund for Women in Asia is determined to help bring about social change in how women and girls are valued in their communities.

We will do that by strengthening local women's groups, so they can more effectively speak for themselves. We aim to partner with local groups, to help leverage their resources effectively, bringing not only financial resources but also skills, such as management, marketing and fundraising.