Building Philanthropists Through Leadership Councils

Chicago Foundation for Women Chicago Foundation for Women is a grantmaking organization dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for women and girls in the greater Chicago area. To support our philanthropy, the Foundation promotes increased investment in women and girls, raises awareness about their issues and potential, and develops them as leaders and philanthropists.

Vision for Leadership Councils In 1997 the Foundation launched a community based campaign to create and strengthen the ties to Chicago’s diverse communities. From this campaign, the first leadership council was created in The Councils were expected to lead community outreach efforts and to increase awareness and support for the foundation’s mission. According to the Women’s Funding Network, CFW was the first women’s fund in the US to develop affinity groups of diverse women. and support for the foundation’s mission.

Leadership Councils Purpose Community Input Leadership Councils Leadership Council Grantmaking $$$ into Community

Leadership Councils Chicago Foundation for Women hosts five affinity groups comprised of local women leaders, philanthropists and activists: African American Leadership Council Asian American Leadership Council Latina Leadership Council LBTQ Leadership Council Young Women's Leadership Council

Leadership Council Grantmaking

Why Women Join A desire to participate in philanthropy centered on women and girls The opportunity to give back to their community Raising awareness of the needs in their communities Networking opportunities

Vision and Action While Chicago Foundation for Women’s vision for all council’s are the same, each council takes unique actions to achieve their goals.

Philanthropic Development at CFW More than just Leadership Councils o Philanthropic Mentoring o Board Development and Cultivation o Philanthropic Education